Another one of those ‘duh’ moments, as my friends of another generation say, “I could’ve had a v-8!”
Has winter arrived in your region? (Not you. lol) I know for some of you winter doesn’t necessitate adding many clothes, but here in the Great Northwest the sky has turned gray and my feet are cold. From today on, white takes a backseat and heather gray moves up in my wardrobe.
But the real “aha!” was this: the convertible everyday template (for my personal style idiom, winter 2008/2009).
- around the house: jeans + collared shirt + sweater, pullover wool or cashmere
- out & about town: jeans + collared shirt + blazer, velvet or washable suede or maybe tweed
Upon rising, I can “just get dressed” for whatever I am doing first, knowing that later in the day I need only change my top layer (and shoes) to remain situationally appropriate.
Have you had a convertible template you used successfully?
Excellent question! I’ve just been waffling about whether I want the shirt layer to be a turtleneck or not. On the one hand, turtles for winter here in Minnesota have a certain logic. On the other hand, most buildings are heated to torridness, and a V or scoop neck might be more flattering.
A browse through the downtown Macy’s didn’t help… beautiful colors, but oh, so boxy!
I am glad you brought up “cashmere.” Now, I realize I am not answering your question, but I have one of my own. I am for the first time considering cashmere….why? My office is cold. My office is in an old hotel converted to a jail and porbation office and my particular office is a corner room with windows on two sides. I am usually never cold but I find myself cold even when the heat is on — lots of wind finding its way in I think (it’s very noisy too as I am facing the freeway in the fifth most congested city in the US, but that’s another problem)…a building set to be demolished next year if the city keeps its promise. But, I digress.. I normally wear slacks (lined, but not wool – I would die in Texas) and a long-sleeved button down type blouse or a sweater set, but I have been thinking cashmere might be comfortable and breathable. I don’t wear layers as I would get too hot. I don’t wear turtlenecks as I would get too hot. I like sweater sets if they are 3/4 sleeves. I don’t wear wool. Cotton tends to be too heavy. SO, I am thinking cashmere….is it warm but not hot? Is it breathable? Lands End has some pretty single sweaters and twin sets. Any info on wearing cashmere?
Susan in Texas, where it’s going to be 80 something today, I think 🙂
Thanks for the link love! 🙂
It’s cooled off a bit here. I’ve been working on the “uniform” template we talked about, adding pieces here and there as I find them for a bargain. Last night I was running late and it was such a delight to be able to pull all the pieces from my closet and be ready in about 3 minutes, because I had a template to work with. It also kept me from being late!
My template Fall 2008 in LA, California is:
Bermuda shorts in neutral color + metallic jeweled sandal or ballet flat+ loose flowy top.
To dress up, add heels and more jewels. To dress down, well, get naked.
Susan in Texas, others may differ but I think cashmere is suffocatingly hot and I usually crave to be a little overwarm. Simple way to figure it out: go to a store and try on a cashmere sweater and wear it for a little bit to see what you think.
Susan in Texas, my experience matches Vildy’s — cashmere is so suffocating that I don’t wear it if the temperature is above freezing.
If you live in a warm climate with pockets of chilliness, what might work is light-weight cotton or silk, layered on. Each layer is thin, and you add or subtract depending on where you go: thin layers will roll up and stow in a large purse or a tote bag.
When we lived in the Bay Area, my run-all-over uniform involved a light-weight silk t-shirt, a light-weight silk-blend cardigan, and a light-weight blazer. On a bright fall day, the east shore or the city required all three layers, but some warm inland bits called for only the t-shirt.
Karen – is that naked with your new denim jacket to dress down?
Yesterday was hot, today I’m back in long pants, a long sleeved cotton t-shirt and a wool 3/4 sleeve houndstooth jacket, and ballet flats as I’m about to go and sort out a wardrobe then go shopping – so will be on my feet all day!
I love layering, you can put on and take off as the day warms and cools.
drwende – I had just decided to quit buying turtlenecks when I found two in my best colors for really cheap. Now I really am done though. I figure if I can find a winterwear type scarf it will be the same effect when I’m outside, but when I’m inside I’ll be more comfortable. It seems as though whoever controls the indoor temperature on shared buildings doesn’t ever dress seasonably!
Susan, Vildy, and drwende – I think there are different weights of cashmere. Years ago, my mil won a drawing at the dry-cleaners; the prize was a gorgeous cashmere cardigan which was so warm it was not wearable at all. I finally gave it to a friend for her trip to Siberia (for an adoption). But the cashmere cardigan I took with me to Italy is very light, thin, and soft; it would have to be the heat of summer before I would notice the difference between it and a cotton sweater.
Thanks, for the advise y’all.
Susan in Texas
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