Here is the final set of outfits from my deep winter "wear all the clothes" challenge. I'll leave these here and then do a wrap-up post in the next couple of days. Thanks to all of you for all your great comments, support, and inspiration through this challenge -- I have learned a lot and am feeling extra inspired and in charge of my style as I shift over to spring!

Day 22 (photos 1-2):

Black ponte leggings, white pintuck popover, black cable shawl-collar cardi

Salmon ring, agate ring, freshwater pearl necklace, amber pendant, black tall boots

New piece(s): white pintuck popover, black cable shawl-collar cardi

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

white pintuck popover: an old reliable workhorse. These days, I prefer this outfit formula with icy pastel tops rather than stark white but this is still a useful piece.

black cable shawl-collar cardi: I have this cardi in three colors, as you’ll see in the coming days. I’m a bit “off” this fitted, jacket-y style at the moment, as evidenced by how long into this challenge it’s taken me to choose them, yet every time I do put one of them on I think: oh yeah, this is a great piece. (Very different from my reaction to that droopy gray long cardi – interesting to note.)

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? I think the simple, neutral color scheme makes it elevated/cohesive/refined – but kinda threatens to be too much so, for my taste. So I tried to funk it up a bit with pigtails.

Where is the contrast? Silhouette, value.

Day 23 (photos 3-7):

Liberty print leggings, black silk jersey tunic, black/white/gray Nordic mock neck

New piece(s): black silk jersey tunic

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

This is fine as an occasional layering piece but I’m not sure it’s really an outfit star.

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? Ok it took me three tries to get dressed today!

First I tried the leggings with a pale blue tunic (photos 3-4) and light blue long cardi – the latter is not really “officially” in this capsule but this was a combination that occurred to me at the leggings’ first challenge outing so I figured I’d try it. I did NOT like the result. Too hectic.

Then (photo 5) I swapped in the black tunic and a kind of mid-length black cardi (the cut is much like a long blazer). Too droopy and frankly I wasn’t warm enough.

Finally I turned to my Nordic mock-neck sweater, using the black tunic to lengthen the hemline, kind of like an ersatz mini skirt (photos 6-7). Success! I LOVE the pattern mix here.

Where is the contrast? Silhouette (a little bit), value, pattern mixing.

Day 24 (photos 8-9):

Mid-wash skinny jeans, black scoopneck layering sweater, replaced by black portrait-collar sweater

New piece(s): black scoopneck layering sweater, black portrait-collar sweater

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

black scoopneck layering sweater: this looks fine in the photo, but in real life the hem rides up and it clings at the waist in an unflattering way. Moving back to my holding zone for now.

black portrait-collar sweater: much less fussy than my first option. In general I’d prefer a chunkier, textured knit, but I do like the dramatic Snow Queen collar here.

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? Hmmm it’s really nothing special but was fine for a quiet Saturday at home.

Where is the contrast? ??? This would be great with pearl accessories for contrast, no?

Day 25 (photos 10-11):

Gray velvet trousers, replaced by mid-wash straight jeans, black/gray/white Nordic mock neck,

Blue ankle boots, blue parka, teal bag, abalone earrings, abalone ring, salmon ring

New piece(s): gray velvet trousers

Assessment of new item(s) – fit, etc.: too big. Removing from my active wardrobe

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? Ok, so the outfit I ended up with does not feature any new-to-the-challenge pieces. BUT, you are getting a preview here of where I’m going for Spring in terms of the styling. I really like the shoes-bag-coat cohesiveness here (aha, my everyday teal bag finally gets a chance to shine rather than just being defaulted to!). Otherwise, it’s a pretty simple outfit in terms of clothing, but following through with accessories elevates it, as does bothering to do something with my hair.

Where is the contrast? Value contrast in the sweater I suppose. The outfit seems really satisfying to me despite the lack of marked contrast.

Day 26 (photo 12):

Mid-wash skinny jeans, ice blue pintuck popover, black midi shawl-collar cardi

Black tall boots

New piece(s): ice blue pintuck popover

Assessment of new item(s) – fit, etc.: fits just right, I love the color and the details and the sheen of the silk-cotton fabric.

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? I just love the ice blue against the black and I think the subtle color elevates the look vs. just plain white (even though that is fine too as seen above!). Matching boots and cardi lends cohesion.

Where is the contrast? Value contrast between top and cardi. Overall a pretty simple outfit but a good rendition of this formula..

bonus photo 13: the most cat photo ever

Day 27 (photos 14-15):

Black ponte leggings, gray silk tunic, gray shawl collar cable cardi

Freshwater pearl necklace, pewter bird pendant, coast guard ring, silver agate ring

New piece(s): gray silk tunic, gray shawl collar cable cardi

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

gray silk tunic: you could argue this is just on the edge of too big but I am kind of enjoying the drape.

gray shawl collar cable cardi: dupe of the black cardi from a few days ago, perfect fit.

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? I think the tonal grey lends cohesion, although this would be better with gray boots to bring the gray into the lower half of the outfit. Silk material and pile of accessories elevate the look.

Where is the contrast? If I’m being honest the pics here are giving Medieval Tavern Owner a little bit. The outfit was better in person, but I do wonder if I would have preferred this with jeans – contrasting the textures of denim and silk.

Day 28 (photos 16-17):

Burgundy cords, pale lavender pintuck popover, camel shawl collar cable cardi

Abalone teardrop pendant, Connemara marble ring, silver agate ring

Cognac riding boots

New piece(s): camel shawl collar cable cardi

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

camel shawl collar cable cardi: friends we have arrived at the end and you already know what I have to say about this cardi!

Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? More or less, in the same way as other recent equestrian-ish outfits. It’s interesting to see that as I reach the end of my capsule this is the silhouette/formula I turn to over and over again.

Where is the contrast? The color scheme here with burgundy and lavender was inspired by Brooklyn’s recent post. I like it! So, color contrast – but the camel cardi + cognac boots lend cohesiveness.

Thanks again for looking!