I must admit, Directorate, that I have experienced, in the last two years, from time to time, a crisis of confidence. I wonder, “Do I have anything left to create? Or is my best work behind me?”
Note: I am speaking of dressing for work. Not my actual work.
I realized when I started my new job in November 2023 that if I manage to maintain my weight for the next 5-10 years, my existing wardrobe could see me through to retirement.
The office environment is casual and flexible and I have so much clothing. I might have to buy some new pants and white shirts, but only because these are the pieces that wear out fastest. In terms of dresses, jackets, blouses and sweaters, my current inventory cannot be exhausted through ordinary usage.
That’s a sobering (and somewhat depressing) thought.
The fact that I don’t need anything new doesn’t mean that I can’t have anything new, does it? Particularly if I can articulate a needwant that is vaguely health-related?
Micro hot flashes have made layering more important than ever and backless garments — which I have long regarded with equal parts admiration and contempt (when blended = bemusement?) — now seem practical to me. Practical!
So yes, I was searching the Internet a few weeks ago for “open back blazer” and found this tuxedo-style jacket on COS.
What a find! I purchased a COS waistcoat to wear with it, but while waiting for the waistcoat’s arrival, I looked through my own closet to see what might work.
I found this Sacai tank that I had purchased from The RealReal last year, decided was “unwearable” and planned to give away.
This tank is lightweight, but voluminous. Under an ordinary blazer, it would be too bulky. But it fits perfectly under this open back jacket. Indeed, the tank emerges from from the open back, which is the perfect frame.
I was planning to give this tank away because it seemed unworkable — perhaps unemployable is the better word — to me. Worn as an outer layer, I didn’t like the way a white blouse looked underneath it and I felt that the silhouette was too girlish.
Open Back Blazer fixed all of that.
All of this is to say, Directorate, I have realized my work (getting dressed) is not done. I will continue to experiment with volume, form, and materials. I do not rule out the possibility that, before I retire, I will wear corrugated cardboard to work.
Jacket: COS Deconstructed Blazer; Tank: Sacai from The RealReal; Shirt: Talbots Perfect Shirt; Pants: JCrew; Shoes: Taryn Rose (very old, I keep getting them re-soled!)
One of you asked for recommendations for flats: I suggest Margaux (pricey) and J. Crew (less pricey)
Masterpiece!
I love this! The tank is amazing! Glad you found a way to wear it.
The whole area of hot flash dressing is fascinating and I will be interested to see what you come up with!
I HAVE worn corrugated cardboard at work. I have the photos to prove it 🙂
You must know that we need to hear more!
I join the chorus with the Directrice!
I love this combination!
Thank you for the referral for flats. I too can see the benefit of backless garments during menopause. The straps on your tank makes it almost apron-like, or utilitarian, which is pure whimsy!
Amendment to my recommendation. I meant JCrew and Margaux!
FLW would, I hope, be proud.
PS I want the tank!
Last night I mused to Tory, “I’m sure somebody’s done it–clothing made of cardboard.”
I wasn’t wrong.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/251427591674944344/
(Edit: The link doesn’t work right, but just google it.)
Ah, hot-flash dressing, I remember it well. Mostly I was constantly removing layers and putting them back on at work, and praying no one noticed too much. There will always be clothing challenges that can use your inspiration! And I hope the new job is going really well.
This is excellent! And worth trying the Sacai over black or navy, it might tone down some of the features you weren’t keen on.
Re: cardboard, the much ballyhooed recent Margiela couture show apparently included “a coat in the color and texture of weathered corrugated cardboard” (says Cathy Horyn), so….