First of all, a basic color scheme must be hit on. I keep trying to add navy in, but, the fact is, navy doesn't make me particularly happy and it is too easy to get confused with black, when the lights are low, and so end up wearing a navy skirt with a black blazer. Some people don't mind that, but, I do.
In the majority, I want things to be black or brown, with selected items in white, red, gray, burgundy or green for the basics. Now, what do I actually need?
Well, I do like jackets, but, I am not working at an office and if I was working at one, I still wouldn't like the full double-breasted blazer skirt suit feel. I do like really nice things or really casual things, though, and I do need things that are light enough for Arizona in the summertime,but, a few things that will keep me warm in the winter time, as well.
When I wear dresses, I prefer to wear them with opaque hosiery or bare-legged and with some sort of large underwear or shorts underneath them. This affects shoes. If I am going to be wearing opaque hosier, I need shoes that match them. If I am going bare-legged, I need shoes that will match the dress or my jewelry, should I be wearing any, or be some shade of metallic or natural that will go good with the dress.
I won't have a lot of money, so I need to keep the price of each piece down and I need pieces that are as versatile as possible. There will be, possibly, things that can be picked up from the thrift store, as supplements. Also, I may be able to use the cloth from some clothes I have now, or purchase some cloth, and sew up some simple pieces. Not to mention that I might be able to get clothes from the thrift store and completely alter them, as well.
I like wearing dresses, but, prefer long ones that cover up my hairy legs when I don't feel like shaving. Well, aside from that, I like the swish of the skirts. It feels luxurious! Obviously, by dresses, I also mean skirts and blouses that go together in a dressy way.
The 1970's cannot be beat for dresses and long skirts. Long, pretty, lace and satin trimmed dresses, broomstick skirts, velvet "witch" skirts, all worn with a denim jacket and lace-up high heeled boots that were actually made for walking. Beautiful! Very gypsy-inspired and, as far as I am concerned, the best part of the 1970's, all told.
Err ... David Bowie notwithstanding, and no offense to Mr. Cooper.
Obviously, I shall have to be flexible, as the things I find might not be in the right size, or even available, by the time I need them. This, then, is not about finding the exact right piece, but, about finding items that represent the general style and color desired.
Obviously, the hardest part to create for myself or find suitable alternatives at a thrift store for are the accessories, especially the shoes. It may not be obvious to you, but, it is to me, for I have wide feet.
Okay, for working around the house, yard work or recreation I need:
1 pair of swim shorts and a swim shirt
2 pairs Levi's 501 shrink to fit jeans
A pair or two of sweatpant type pants
1 hoodie
1 lined flannel shirt
A 3-pack of t-shirts from Faded Glory, in the men's section.
1 pair of good walking sandals, built up
No need for photos. Those are all fairly simple.
For hanging out, going to the movies, meetings, working anywhere but at home, etc. I need:
1. Black leather jacket
2. Black cardigan
3. Black tank top and/or camisole
4. Black leggings
5. Long black skirt
6. Shorter black leather skirt
7. Black leather lace-up pants
Hmm .. I am sensing a trend, here.
8. One black wool suit, or its equivalent
9. One brown wool suit, or its equivalent
10. One gray wool suit, or its equivalent
11. Three or four other skirts, in other colors
12. Three or four pair of pants, in other colors
*ahem* They can be the same sort of color family, but, there is no point in having a chocolate brown wool suit and then getting a chocolate brown wool pair of pants as a supplement.
13. Two or three tunics or long v-neck sweaters in other colors.
14. Tunics or long v-neck sweaters that match or come close to matching the suits.
15. Three long dresses.
16. Three shorter dresses.
17. One pair of sandals in silver, bronze, copper and gold (each)
18. One set of jewelry in silver, bronze,copper and gold (each)
19. Two or three other jackets or overshirts that would go with the skirts and/or blouses and/or sweaters or tunics.
20. Three casual blouses in colors that would go good with the suits and at least one of the pairs of pants and skirts and extra jackets.
21. Three dressy blouses ""
22. One pair lace up military sort of boots, each in gray, brown and black.
23. One pair dressier tall lace-up boots, that can be walked in, each, in brown, gray and black.
24. One pair granny sort of boots, that can be walked in, each, in gray, brown and black.
25. One brown/black tweed or hounds-tooth skirt, pants and jacket set.
26. Three pair of walking sandals in tones that relate to gray, brown and black.
27. Three pair of ballet flats, in grey, brown and black.
28. Three sun hats in tones that relate to gray, brown and black.
29. Three winter hat and scarf sets that relate to gray, brown and black.
30. One long black wool coat
31. One short black wool coat
32. Three really comfy jackets or cardigans to supplement.
33. 10 pair of panties with matching bras.
34. Three sets of matching panties, bra, and garter belt.
35. At least three sets of silk stockings in different patterns
36. Opaque tights or stockings that are sturdy.
37. A couple of very crazy, brightly colored dresses, skirts and/or tops, that can be worn with at least the black jackets and shoes.
38. Two white shirts, no iron, button front, to go with everything.
39. One grey and black tweed or hounds-tooth check jacket and skirt and pants set.
40. One black and white pinstriped suit set
Wow! That's rather a lot! Well, it doesn't have to all be gotten at once. I mean, it's the BIG basic wardrobe. To go really basic, I'd cut it down to just black suiting and things that go with black and drop all the brown and gray stuff. Which, I probably should, but, that wouldn't be very fun to search for, now would it?
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