Christie’s question concerning smart casual winter tops, which came in response to my post on the six levels of casual:
I also need better ideas for smart casual winter tops. I have a semi-wrap merino wool sweater which I like, but it seems to have shrunk in length.
I like to be warm, so I look for non-bulky wool sweaters. But my first layer under sweaters usually is just a tee, so that’s kind of boring.
My off-the-cuff answer:
I was just thinking that I could get a couple of slim turtlenecks and just use them for the boring t-shirt part, topped by a snappy jacket in velvet or suede or wool. I have also been using drapy silk blouses under my v-neck sweaters and liking that.
You see, typically I think of assembling an outfit, or a uniform template, in terms of
The Base (pant, skirt or dress) + The Top + The Layer
Brenda Kinsel suggests considering each zone as a room in a house. The larger the room, the more furniture (line breaks, detailing, embellishments, bells and whistles) you can put in there.
Based on the fact that shorter hip-length fitted jackets, the more pockets and detailing the better, are the hands-down best length/shape for me, I’m toying with this variation on the “formula”:
The Base + The Top Layer + The Connector
The top layer being the jacket, sweater, sweatshirt, etc and the connector being the top underneath which makes it all work together. Which really makes perfect sense, as the character of an outfit is created by the jacket … which I am now in the market for more than ever, for two reasons: one, I have laundry snafu’d all my favorites right out the door and two, Fall/Winter clearance. 🙂
So I don’t know if I helped you, Christie, but you certainly helped me!
What say the rest of you lovely people? Other than that I over-analyze things. Isn’t that the point? 😉
well, I”m tortured now. 🙂 That plum tweed jacket is everything I like whether or not it likes me. Love the cuff treatment, the ties, the fringe, the loose cascading ruffle. Do not love the price. Can not justify it.
Here’s something I was thinking about that might work for you, too. Was reading Secrets of Fashion Therapist – which I don’t recommend. There wasn’t much useful in it other than a few ideas: packing: twist 2 wire hangers together for strength and then fold all pants over bar, twist up ends and hang all skirts by their loops over these, then layer all your clothes over as if you were dressing a dummy, cover with dry cleaner bag, fold in half and put in suitcase. Not that I’m going anywhere and haven’t seen a dry cleaner bag in years! I wash everything. But also: watch out using that match hose to skirt to shoes thing when it gives you a leaden, heavy look – sheerer can be better. I agree with that. And the big one that fascinates me and a clothes horse friend agrees: says it is an old European habit to accessorize black with navy shoes and bag. I love this! Takes that too serious curse away.
The main thing that caught my attention was to have an unlined suede jacket as a staple: can be worn 3 ways: jacket for unmatched suit, light outerwear jacket, shirt. Love the idea of wearing a suede shirt. Easier in a mid tone, I guess, then a light dust and grease magnet.
oh, and clean and shine patent leather shoes with a slice of Wonder-type bread. Heard this cleans wallpaper.
I love the tweed jacket too. It’s not like anything I have! For 39.99 I could probably justify it, but unfortunately it’s no longer available in my size. I have a skirt it would make a great suit with, too! Oh well.
I do like the idea of suede and some of the washable suede available is really good.
Calling it a “connector” gives it more importance than “just a tee.” Your second formula explains it better, I think … that the top layer and connector work together and have equal importance.
Yes, this does help me!
Thanks Christie! I know it’s helping me. 🙂