Typically, I start these posts with a completed outfit and then break it down. Today, just for variety, we are going to build an outfit up.
We start with a lightweight blouse, which is perfect for layering.
This one, from Y-3, is made of 100% polyester — but it’s very fine and has the weight and feel of a silk-cotton blend. How polyester can have so many faces is quite the mystery to me, but I have to assume that it relates to the gauge of the fibers (is it thread? is it yarn?) and the pattern of the weave.
The cut of this blouse should work under a sweater even though it is voluminous because of (1) the split hem and (2) the pliable hand. We’ll know soon enough.
Step 1
Before the reveal, just wanted to show you the yoke, which bears Y-3’s motif — three little stripes.
Re-calculating route
And now . . . Step 2: A cozy, shrunken cardigan. Just the thing to wear over the blouse. The blouse is constrained, but hardly a hostage. If you don’t believe me, ask the blouse yourself.
Blink, Blouse, if you need help
Blouse is not blinking; may have Stockholm Syndrome
Sometimes one wants just a little bit more
We could stop here. Indeed, I did stop here and wore this to the office on a quiet day a couple of weeks ago.
Or we could make it beTTeR.
Before we make it better, please look at the buttons. The ones that came with the sweater were very pedestrian and also black — which seemed limiting to me. I replaced them with these elegant Italian buttons from G Street Fabrics.
Re-calculating route
Thought hard about Stewart plaid, confident in confirming that nothing could be better
Step 3: A smart, little jacket.
What could be better than the Stewart plaid? Nothing!
This ingenious little jacket is made of crisp poly-nylon.
I originally thought I would wear it on the weekends, for errands and constitutional walks, but I find that I want to wear it everywhere.
Smart little thing
Myself, apparently as I look to persons standing behind me
I also had thought that I would remove the chest pockets and possibly the braided trim, but have decided that I love the jacket exactly as it is/was.
Reprieved pockets and trim
A final observation: A vibrant plaid is delightful, but can be overwhelming in large amounts. This jacket may work well, in part, because of the liberties JCrew took in interpreting this particular plaid. Rather than the traditional red ground (Royal Stewart), black was used, and the horizontal stripes are faint.
Ghost plaid
To all of you who answered the call and mentioned this blog on social media: thank you so much! I so appreciate your help.
Just saw your question! It’s an old bag (and was old when I published this post) from Coach. It’s a bucket bag made of embossed logo fabric. Very handy!
I am filled with envy for both blouse and jacket. The layers work so perfectly for you and make a great statement in both style finesse and personality. You just keep hitting it out of the park! Kate
Love the blouse and the jacket! Can you tell me what kind of bag you are holding? It looks interesting and capacious!
Just saw your question! It’s an old bag (and was old when I published this post) from Coach. It’s a bucket bag made of embossed logo fabric. Very handy!
The smart little jacket has a decidedly Chanel vibe! I’m in favor!
Once again, exemplary layering. Thank you Directrice
I love your jacket, and I think your button switch improved the cardigan tenfold at least. A thoroughly delightful outfit.
Such a fun jacket. With all that personality, I wouldn’t have guessed it was JCrew!
I like it all. The blouse is so very lovely and the sweater is perfect with it. The jacket is amazing and stylishly useful!
I am filled with envy for both blouse and jacket. The layers work so perfectly for you and make a great statement in both style finesse and personality. You just keep hitting it out of the park! Kate
I like your pattern