Simple Wardrobe | Recreate A Look

Inspiration/Interpretation: Wardrobe Edition

I wore a fine-gauge merino sweater with bracelet length sleeves and a V neckline, in oatmeal, and a pair of dark denim jeans that flared at the bottom. I then pulled my vintage silk scarf, with its paisley print in blues and neutrals, through the belt loops at my waist and tied it in a square knot off to the side. I finished the look with a long strand of faceted beads knotted together on a silk cord. I don’t recall what shoes I wore, but likely my heeled clog boots, in black, (similar to these). It was 2018. Perhaps I had an event or occasion that I wore this to, or perhaps it’s just what I wore to town, or for work that day, but I, who haven’t typically taken photos of my outfits, for whatever reason, decided to take one that day. Who knew eight years would pass before that photo found its way to the blog today? And who knew it would be published because of something fun two friends started out of the blue one recent winter day?

I suppose I could call it Inspiration | Interpretation: Wardrobe Edition. If you’ve been reading here for a while, you’ll know that my philosophy for wardrobe is the same as my philosophy for house and home: have fewer, better things. I’m interested in what’ll last the long term. Good design, well made, timeless style. I’ve had most of my kitchenware and cookware for over 30 years, and most of my dinnerware for twenty. I’d rather find a solid wood antique piece of furniture than something new and mass-produced. I’d rather purchase long-lasting upholstered goods that can be slipcovered again and again. And, I’d rather have twenty pieces of quality clothing than a closet full of cheaply made garments. And therein lies the fun: how to make a small wardrobe greater than the sum of its parts.

The answer? By having a collection of well-made basics, then mixing and matching. I wouldn’t describe myself as a fashionista, but my first career was in fashion, I love classic, feminine style, and I pay attention when something catches my eye. Then, I usually pin the image to my private My Style Pinterest board. But this time, on a whim that January day, I sent the above image to a friend who’s aligned with me in her wardrobe philosophy and goals, with the words, “This layered look is pretty.” She agreed. Then I said, “How I could recreate this look with what I have: green wide leg jeans, white cotton button up, brown wool sweater, navy pashmina, and my vintage silk paisley scarf.”

And it took off from there.

She looked through her own closet and soon came up with three outfit variations based on the inspiration photo, and sent me photos. To which I replied, “OMG!! Yessss!! Love all three!

Then, just this week, as I was zipping across the online world, I saw this image and texted it to her with the word, “Cute!" I loved the idea of a scarf as a belt. (Haha, I wonder why…)

“Darling!” was her reply. And a few hours later came a photo of her version of the outfit: a white linen pull-over top, worn with a half-tuck in front, with Rudy Jude denim blue jeans, and a red and white Block Shop Textiles scarf around her waist. There’s something so delightfully satisfying about seeing how we can create our own take on an idea, an outfit, a look, using the garments we already own. Her interpretation was beautiful and nuanced and one that can be worn with confidence and ease. “Yes! Love it,” was my reply.

Then, something niggled in my brain. Something waaay back was trying to come forward. Hmm… I do believe I’d worn a similar look years ago…and I think I’d taken a photo of it…wait…one…minute. There it was! Well my goodness, yes! In 2018, I’d worn this very look (the oatmeal colored sweater, the denim jeans, the silk paisley scarf around my waist, photo at the top). This is what I mean when I say timeless - a look I wore eight years ago is still beautiful. This is what I mean by quality - the scarf I wore then, I still have and wear: around my head, around my neck, around a hat, and now I’m reminded again to wear it around my waist. This is what I mean by taking inspiration from a photo that catches your eye, and recreating the look with the goodness found in your closet.

Who knows what look we’ll come across and recreate next.