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WIW or extreme duplicating

slim cat

Veteran

Since I started to wear midi skirts two summers ago I wanted some almost cropped jacket to complete the look. Long linen cardigan and white denim jacket were the usual toppers in 2020 when my dress code was the most relaxed. Denim jackets became not permitted since then and I spend too much time looking for alternatives. This year in February I decided to order linen jacket Jones New York in blue from Marshall’s- instant success. Washable, 100% linen, neutral in color and acceptable at work- it became my favorite jacket. Duplicated it in light green color ( eucalyptus) from TJMax - less jacket looking, more shirt like ( same brand and size). Doable but limited. Duplicated that in off white ( called windy ) from TJMax. I mixed that with all kinds of white and pretended it was all the current rage - love it.
Got sandals ABEO from Walking Company in navy color - easy to wear since blue is heavily present in my wardrobe. Duplicated in white and got pretty similar in dark navy , then in mixed white ( stripes of beige, soft grey and white, off white colors ).
Duplicated my fav sneakers in Crocus color ( ECCO from Amazon ). Duplicated my white linen cardigan ( Marshall’s again).
Most of it happened for a reason of not being able to find size/style/fabric in current retail that works for me ( and some pickiness on my part - sorry).
Here some outfits that I wear for work- with the aim to dress up linen jackets and comfy shoes.

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Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from RobinF

ChristelJ

Veteran

Your duplications are smart! Those jackets look fab on you and each one looks completely different within the context of the outfits. Lovely sandals too, and, well everything! The skirt outfits are just stunning. I got the same blue linen jacket you have, but it’s been too hot for toppers. I think you were wise to snap up multiples while you could.

Indigoprint

Veteran

Wow seems like you have nailed the formula that works for you with variations to stay current.
So fab that you could find your best toppers in a variety that works for you. You have done your homework. well done. A+

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Clever and impactful repetitions and formula dressing, Queen Linen Jacket! You are sooooo right to duplicate comfy sandals and sneakers too. Particularly, loving the white sandals!

Agree with ChristelJ, that each outfit holds its own, looks fresh, and has its own vibe. Plus your signature style stands out SPLENDIDLY!

Hard to pic a fave. All so good! Smashing graphic tees coming through make the look KILLER to my eye. Nice bit of personal stamp. Unique! And you're rocking that low rise

Irina

Veteran

Well, if it works, why not to duplicate? Jackets look great on you. My favorite is #9 and others with that skirt, which is absolutely gorgeous.

Bonnie

Veteran

This looks like a well planned capsule wardrobe. Every combo works beautifully!!

AndiB

Veteran

I already tracked down that blue linen jacket. Now I need the green one! You rock all of these looks!

LJP

Veteran

Nicely done . Your linen jackets are perfect - exactly what I want to wear too . I love the skirt in pic 3 too !

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you, @ChristelJ. I like all my linen jackets but blue is my favorite.
Wish I could add another one in yellow or even pink, but my size was not available in the stores and on line had limited options.
Thank you, @Indigoprint. I do have uniform way of dressing but always strive to make it more fun with different combinations.
Thank you, @Angie - for the lovely compliment! Love "personal stamp" phrase - gotta start using it myself .
Thank you, @Irina. The outfit #9 is one of my fav too and came to be almost by accident. I was running out of very light sleeveless tops and stumbled on the forgotten one ( was sitting unworn for a while ). Surprisingly that combo made some co-workers call it a "pretty dress" .Thank you, @bonnie.

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you, @AndiB. I hope you'll find more colorful options - I'm still looking for another one .
Thank you, @LJP. Outfit #3 is probably close to my "minimal" dressing - solid black top, silver jewelry, neutral jacket and one printed bottom - my favorite skirt that I love to wear.

CarolS

Veteran

Lovely! Is the skirt in 13 the same skirt as in 3/9 but in a different colour, or it it just the lighting? I love the green jacket with what appears to be a green version of the skirt i 13.

Great (and smart) duplications. If it works, it works!!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooh. Love the pattern mix in #9 and what a fantastic skirt that is. Actually, I like all your skirts. I have not had luck finding similar, alas!

These are signature outfits! No wonder you duplicated the linen jacket -- it's fantastic. I would imagine it would feel lightweight and not too heavy for the heat yet give a bit of coverage and polish for the work setting.

I sometimes forget about Jones New York but they were workwear a staple back in the day and I think they continue to make good stuff!

Sandals and sneakers look great, too. You have summer dressing down to a quick formula but each outfit feels unique.

merwoman

Veteran

The midi skirts look soooo good on you! And smart move on the jackets. In particular I think the eucalyptus jacket is a great colour for you, really highlights your beautiful eyes.

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you, @CarolS. It is the same skirt - lol. It's black and white but not bright white. It does look slightly different in a different light. I think it's one of the problems editing the photos - some colors look too pale, some too cold in hue. If I had a chance to duplicate that skirt in green - I'd do it in heartbeat .
Thank you, @Suz. You are absolutely right about work setting - we often have AC barely working, or working unevenly ( half of the floor is colder and half - warmer. You can guess which part I'm stationed ).
Regarding the skirts - mine are from 2020 and the beginning of 2021 from EXPRESS ( all three of them ). I haven't found anything that pretty and fun yet. The one I'm waiting for ( in the mail ) is from BR. It's a final sale though and I'm taking the gamble.https://bananarepublic.gap.com.....&vid=
I have tried blue one in the store and bought it, but had trouble envisioning it on me - it's too bright cobalt blue ( perfect for you and Janet ). I ordered yellow one since I have a bit of yellow accessories and hope to make it work - fingers crossed.

SarahD8

Veteran

Well as another fan of duplication I love this. What a wonderful effortless mix and match capsule. I am especially smitten by the black/white/blue pattern mix in #9. It’s dynamic, but the texture of the linen jacket brings some softness and keeps the whole look from being overly graphic.

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you, @merwoman. I do love green color and have a collection of turquoise jewelry to play the color of my eyes ( grey-ish green depending on what I wear ). I was excited to get the green jacket but found it a bit too pale - the slightly darker color would have been perfect for dressier effect. Still - it works with variety of things in my wardrobe.
Thank you, @SarahD8. I originally thought that white jacket would go easily with that skirt but the whites were too mismatched. The blue jacket was looking better and softer like you rightfully noticed. I'd be wearing black jacket ( like in a perfect dress code ) if it wasn't so awful on me.

Mirjana

Veteran

Your linen jackets are perfect and I would wear them with pleasure, so practical for summer. All outfits are great and can't pick favorite.

Anonymous

Very cool jacket collection! I like your use of pattern in the skirts and tops to create awesome outfits

rachylou

Veteran

Omigosh, cannot tell you how much I love this. Cohesive yet varied. Really fresh. Love it!

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you, @Mirjana, @Nikki and @rachylou. You making my evening so much sweeter .

Sal

Veteran

It's all working for you so well. This is smart duplication, it's not boring or repetitive because of the variety of tees and skirts and even colours.

I too have found light weight jackets hard to find - too cropped or too long or too boxy etc... These ones look so good!!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Gorgeous! You make summer dressing look so easy.

I think it’s smart to duplicate. Warm weather jackets in interesting colours, and natural fibres, and not denim, are hard to find.

My favourite is 12. I love the way you pattern mix and you have a great collection of graphic tees. I think our skirt style (apart from colour preferences) is quite similar, so I really enjoy getting inspiration from your posts.

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you, @Sal. Summer jackets are often lined which ruins the whole idea of lightweight easy to care jacket for me. I tried quite a few options that were too big, too long, too slouchy ( not enough structure ), or too tight in sleeves jackets that all went back to the stores before finding my fav ones.
Thank you, @Brooklyn. Your gorgeous collection of skirts and outfits with them were my original inspiration couple years ago. Your complex, beautiful, polished outfits are like art pieces - always a pleasure to look.

The Cat

Veteran

You look really fab. All these outfits are gorgeous! Excellent styling. Inspirational. I love the way you use patterns and match colours in an outfit. And you make me want to give this kind of jackets another try.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Slim cat you clearly know what works for you and your duplication strategy has paid off. All fabulous outfits!

kkards

Veteran

Oh this is good! How wonderful that you found something that worked so well, and you were so smart to buy it in as many colors as you did! I love that it works so well, and it’s just different enough to not seem to be the same thing (does that make sense?).

My fav is #2, i love how you’ve picked up the green from the tee into the jacket.

Bijou

Veteran

You look stunning in all of these and whilst you may have duplicates, they are all creatively styled. You have hit a number of winning formulas. Dressing for variable summer weather and aircon is tricky, I love your solution with the linen jackets.

slim cat

Veteran

Thank you, @The Cat. The linen jackets are gone from Marshall's and TJMax but I see pricier options from Tommy Bahama ( didn't work for me - too big ) and others. Hope you'll find what works for you.
Thank you, @Jaime. Linen jackets remind me denim ones without the stiffness and heaviness and work well in our often hot summer.
Thank you, @kkards. The outfit #2 done with old Lucky Brand graphic tank top - one of my favorites. I wish similar ones were still available but nothing comes close to the fit and style in current offerings.
Thank you, @Bijou. I hope I can make more variations that will take me at least through September ( temperatures will hopefully drop a bit in October ).

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

This is a beautiful, flattering formula. You look fantastic in each outfit!

kellygirl

Veteran

You are a summer inspiration! I can appreciate your love for the linen topper. Those are my faves too—I have two from tommy bahama that would be work horses if they were more neutral. You have nailed the skirt formula and look terrific in pants as well. So sleek and chic!!

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