The internet phenomenon of Me-Made-May has once again got me thinking that I should show more of my own clothes on this blog. After all, I am an older (now 66) American woman who thinks a lot about clothes.
Recently I returned from a two and a half week trip to England, Switzerland, and Germany planned around visits to old friends. For me it was a snap to pack everything I needed into a carry on bag, with plenty of room to spare for presents and purchases on the way home. I simply followed standard advice on wardrobe planning and built everything around a color scheme—mine was navy and rust. Everything was “me-made” except for my raincoat and one scarf. Unfortunately, I didn’t take the time to photograph all my outfits.
I planned around two jackets, a rust cotton twill based very loosely on an old jeans jacket pattern by McCalls (out of print M 5860) and a navy textured cotton in a symmetrical moto-jacket style (Sewnsquareone Upline Jacket.) To this I added three pairs of denim pants, five knit tops that went with the jackets, and one silk/cotton shirt for dress up. The shirt, sewn years ago, is one of my favorite makes. It has a silk front, with cotton knit sleeves and back.
My main accessories were five scarves. I was ready for anything with these pieces. Although the pants were denim, my silk shirt dressed up well for the theater. Navy gym shoes were good for long walks.
This wardrobe was the result of several years of sewing, and I think it would be hard to put together in a short period of time. Nonetheless, I am excited to see what the seamsters on Pattern Review will come up with in the currently running challenge to sew a travel wardrobe in a month.
These are great pieces! I love navy and rust together–they are so versatile! Your jackets are lovely; I’m not much of a jacket person myself, but I do like to see them on other people! You wear them well. What a nice travel wardrobe!
love the upline jacket – just checked the pattern, love the lines of it – the travel wardrobe is a bit of a challenge at this time of year, we went to paris in may years ago and it rained constantly….. and most of the things I packed went unworn
I love how you organized your capsule wardrobe. I keep telling myself to do the same thing and then I get sucked in by sales. I hadn’t thought about focusing on just the colors, though, instead of the pieces.
Thank you. You’ve given me much to ponder.
Thanks for sharing this. The art of traveling light is always worth study — and it’s a mistake to buy a lot of new “travel” clothes instead of the ones you normally live in. You look great!
Love your travel wardrobe! Agree about scarves. They can take any outfit up a notch and make basics look different each day. Love your blog! Thanks so much for writing!