Lucy and I have go-to outfits in our closets that have come to define our individual styles. Pretty much everyone does, either because they are especially comfortable or we just like the look.

Yoga pants are so comfortable and that is why we love them

We decided to check out what our friends consider their “real” clothes. We asked a diverse cross section of friends and colleagues whose lives run the entire spectrum of still working full-time, some part time, or not at all. Still others are taking on grandchild care, taking classes, fulfilling obligations, and/or are offering their career expertise to nonprofit organizations. And some are just having fun enjoying doing nothing more than loving each day as a gift that it is.

Without exception, yoga pants and tights and sweat pants have become ubiquitous, which means that we now wear them at home and then out in the world without feeling “slompy”.

These tights work here but not all can or should wear them on the street

We hail from the generation whose mothers had to look perfect everywhere, from grocery shopping to flying on an airplane. Then we came along and introduced the velour leisure or track suit, really hideous look at the airport back then. But today for us, with so many looks instantly available online, what are we supposed to wear that works, has style and is “cool” and not outrageously expensive?

Here’s what we found:

Wardrobe.NYC introduced its core 8-piece collection at a $3,000 price tag that they say is all you need. We found that we could wear almost everything in this collection and we like the fact that the models are inner-generational. The look is very NYC and may be a bit too edgy for most of us. We suggest you look at their site and see what you think:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/06/t-magazine/fashion/wardrobe-nyc.html?_r=0

Other options are to work with online stylists who deliver wardrobe choices for your review and consideration. Some women find this approach successful while others find that the stylists do not get their look. And it takes away the fun of mixing and matching.

So if we were to design the perfect wardrobe for us, what would that be? The following is a list of must-haves that we can update as needed without spending zillions on a new season’s look:

  • A beautiful white shirt –pricey and perfect
  • A white long sleeve t-shirt. We can still do that.
  • Black pants – two different styles thoughtfully fitted with some spandex and another over the boot leg style
  • Fitted coat or jacket – not necessarily black
  • Little Black Dress
  • Skirt or two –mid or knee length. brown or grey or black
  • A couple of turtleneck sweaters in a palette that flatters our complexion. Turtlenecks are best. And everyone wears them
  • And, of course, include an ultra violet scarf and hand bag as it is this season’s color.

 

So we are now totally cool. Now, could we do all of this for $1500? We think so and are on a mission to do so. We will let you know and ask that you let us know if you can bring this Simple Wardrobe in on budget.

Ciao

Lucy and Claudia

 

PS   Lucy’s first 2018 “Wardrobe Adjustment”:

“Turn all of your hangars in your closet backwards so the open part of the hook is facing you. When a piece of clothing is worn, turn the hangar around. After 6 months you can tell which you have never worn and time to give them away to your nearest consignment or thrift shop.”