A Winning Layer
Ever since I got this shirt, back in the spring, I’ve been trying to figure out how to make it work in cooler temperatures. I love the feel and drape of the fabric so much, I just want to wear it all the time, but the short sleeves leave me too chilly this time of year. I often ask myself why I even bother to buy short-sleeved-shirts, when it seems like I only get to wear them a few months of the year. Layers are the answer, but I’m still trying to master it in an uncomplicated way.
Initially I thought I’d get a long-sleeved white t-shirt to wear underneath it, but that idea just didn’t excite me. It seemed so utilitarian (which I normally love!) and boring that I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I also didn’t want to purchase a shirt that I’d only wear with one or two items in my closet. Then, I got it in my head that I needed a turtleneck to layer underneath my clothes, and BINGO! Suddenly about half my closet got a little bit warmer.
Initially I ordered this beautiful hemp/organic cotton jersey one, and while it was perfectly soft and cozy, it did not fit me very well in the chest area. Back it went. Then I saw that Everlane released some pima turtlenecks, including a white one, and I decided to try it out. It’s very thin, almost sheer, but it is perfect to layer under almost anything because of that. I have a feeling I’ll be doing lots of laundry loads of whites this winter!
[ Pima Turtleneck (S), Everlane | Blank Canvas Top, Jamie + the Jones (M/L) | Jeans, Levi’s (size down for snug fit) | Oxfords, Nisolo | Small Fan Necklace, c/o Loop Jewelry (use code: seasonsandsalt10 for 10% off)
Slow Fashion October
Have you heard of Slow Fashion October? I literally just came across it while browsing on Instagram the other night. I found the concept (and that particular blog) very inspiring. So often when I focus on ethical or slow fashion, I think about the buying source, and I rarely consider slow fashion implications for what I already own. I’ve briefly considered the idea of wearing and keeping what I already own, but I’ve never really explored the idea in any depth. Thinking through the Slow Fashion October concepts has really made me pause and consider the longevity of what is in my closet. It’s so easy to have my head turned by trends and think I need to hop aboard with the latest looks, especially as a blogger, where I feel a slight pressure to stay ‘current’.
But I’m reminded that true style comes from knowing how to make the best of what you love and already have (in addition to knowing how to make the best choices when buying). I can feel this mindset seeping into how I view my closet, and it’s a welcome reprieve.
Cheers,
Andrea
This outfit looks great, so chic and cozy for fall. I lived in Japan for awhile and the women there layer everything with turtlenecks in winter! You pulled it off here.
Thank you so much Katherine! I love hearing about fashion in other places. :)
I’m thinking it might look even better if you layered a contrasting turtle neck underneath. I love it this way too, but I think what’s throwing me off is that the colour of the turtleneck is not the same as the top, and not dissimilar enough to create the contrast. The turtleneck works much better than a normal long sleeve tee would though! I’m imagining this outfit with a tan coloured turtleneck that would match your shoes and look really cool. :)
The way I deal with short sleeves in the winter is I layer a tank top underneath. I tuck it in (cause kidneys) and of course add a sweater. When I enter an overheated room, I’m always so glad I have a short sleeve!
Great idea Kat! Yes, tan would be so good!!
I like your strategy. Did you see what Shizuka mentioned about about arm warmers?! I think I might need to knit some for myself!
Love this outfit, but sometimes turtlenecks make me feel too constricted.
I’ve been wearing arm warmers (like leg warmers but in a thinner knit) a lot this fall. I love how I can pull them off when I’m out if the room’s warmer than I expected.
Wow! Arm warmers! I had no idea such things existed but I’m going to look into them right now.
Thank makes two of us!
I hear ya on turtlenecks, they definitely can’t be too tight.
Okay, please tell me all about your arm warmers!!! Did you make them? If not, where did you get them? And how to do they stay up?
This outfit is a home run. Short sleeves in cooler temps are almost always a no, no for me, but this post has given me some great ideas, thanks. The bigger problem I’m having is what outerwear to use when you have sleeves like the Blank Canvas Top. I’m having difficulty finding a cocoon coat that I both like and is within my price range and kimono coats don’t seem like they’re warm enough. Any ideas/suggestions would be a huge help. X
Hi Alex. Yes, it’s hard to layer over bigger sleeves like this, hence the layer under. I’ve struggled with this for awhile.
This fall I got an (accidentally) oversized alpaca cardigan from Zady, and that has big arm holes so it fits over the blank canvas top. I also have the Madelyn Coat by Only Child and that is kind of between a cocoon coat and a kimono coat. I’m thinking I need some arm warmers to go with it though!!
Andrea, you look beautiful! (And quirky and comfortable too.) at first you were writing about layering a tee under and I was thinking how nice it would look with a turtleneck…and then your turtleneck choice was revealed and I felt like we were on the same wavelength :)
I love it Erin! Totally on the same wavelength. ;) And thank you so much for saying I look beautiful. <3
Totally off topic but — i bought the Nisolo huaraches and sized down a half size per your experience with them stretching but they feel so small! My toes hit the end and the part around the heel is tight. I can’t decide whether to return them for being too small or chance it and see if they stretch. Do they really stretch that much? Thanks for the help! xx.
Hi May! Does your foot fit in the footbed, or is it longer? If your feet are longer, size up, if your feet are smaller than the footbed, wait, your soft leather straps will likely stretch out!
This would be fantastic over a black turtleneck! And for winter, definitely slim-fit merino.
Great ideas!! Thanks Koyuki!