We have moved the pieces when it comes to dressing.
The capsule wardrobe, the investment pieces and the whole cost per wear philosophy of dressing have taken a sharp turn. The thought that I will invest heavily in business style wear – those divine blazers and classically cut trousers, once my idea of joy, is off. Principles of wardrobe investment remain the same but this year I will definitely move some of the pieces.
There is room for change.
We must change and adapt to the times, or we will be miserable. I might not like or feel we have prospered with the restrictions we have been living under but neither can I give in. Making a new normal suit and embracing it for now is the goal. I truly believe being at one with our circumstances is the best way forward. Work with what we have and change what is possible. If I sat all day and longed to be swimming in turquoise waters I would not make it through the months I suspect are ahead.
The wardrobe is the same.
Do I long for a slick hair-do, a professional makeup appointment and a gorgeous new party dress? YES. The answer I will make do with my new hair straightener, take some time over my make-up definitely incorporating red lips and wear a dress. Not a party dress but a sweater dress. The sweater dress like sweat pants has become part of the new investments. Like the trainers, they are one of the essential pieces.
There are no rules to say what is an “investment”.
Once upon a day, we invested heavily in handbags and if we didn’t carry the bag du jour, it felt like fashion expulsion. Today bags are about sustainability, practicality and craftsmanship. At the least, it’s about using what we have. Shopping our own wardrobes and recycling vintage has never felt more right.
I have invested in trainers and they have proven invaluable. Who is to say how many is too many as long as they are worn and make good the cpw argument? Tracksuits now fill my bottom drawers with the more formal sweaters pushed way into the back. My dresses line up untouched and my blazers look lonely. It’s ok; right now it’s how it should be.
The sweater investment I’m thinking of doesn’t need to be expensive. If pure cashmere is your brief then it can be.
For me, it needs to be cosy, long enough and without long splits. I like them with a turtle, round or crew neck and a generous sleeve – even a little blouson can work. There are a huge variety of styles but my very favourite for this time of year is the overgrown sweater look. Pair with trainers or boots and it is as easy as the sweats. We have talked about sweater dresses on many days but they couldn’t be more worthy of a visit now.
A year ago I would never have included a sweater dress as part of my investment dressing.
Move the pieces? Most definitely. xv
Move The Pieces
easy crew || oatmeal || turtleneck || camel wool & cashmere || sweater of intent || crewneck || allude wool || roll neck in cream
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image from The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix
