Start With Art: The Breakfast Room by Childe Hassam

My life - wardrobe-wise - is now an interesting contrast between being in gym clothes, or leisure clothes, for much of my time, and then every now and then I have to look like I belong in a business meeting or a dinner party...

Apparently I'm not at all alone, because many people have asked me about how to have a coherent wardrobe strategy when you dress for such a wide variety of activities.  

So I chose one of the very beautiful paintings suggested to me, and went to work.  This painting is an innovative combination of accent colors, some interesting asymmetry, and a wide range of grey through beige and taupe neutrals.  

First up - the gym!  Being able to use grey as a neutral is wonderful, because it's the quintessential color for sweats.  But you can always introduce the beautiful daffodil and turquoise for a little bit of personal signature and life.

The Breakfast Room – Childe Hassam, hoodie – Uniqlo, tee shirt – Merona, sweatpants – Uniqlo, ballet flats – Nova Rosa, watch – Coach, grey tee – Uniqlo, blue sweatshirt – Blumarine, grey shorts – Moncler, sneakers – Keds

When you have to go out in public and sweat clothes just won't do it, a simple skirt and draped top, or a classic sweater and pants, are easy choices.

The Breakfast Room – Childe Hassam, earrings – Kendra Scott, tee shirt – Merci, skirt – La Garconne, sandals – Easy Street,  scarf – Halogen, sweater – Uniqlo, grey flannel trousers – Austin Reed,  driving moccasins  -  Vaneli

And then evenings can still be relaxed.  A dressy version of a sweatshirt, jeans that aren't blue, and comfy flats will work for a lot of activities.

The Breakfast Room – Childe Hassam, top - Stella McCartney, bracelet - Majorica, jeans - Uniqlo, ballet flats - Butterfly Twists,  sweater - Societe Anonyme, jeans - Uniqlo, ballet flats - Butterfly Twists

If you absolutely, positively have to look "dressy", a dress in your accent color with some AMAZING asymmetry is comfortable, especially coupled with flat sandals.  A drapey dressy blouse, some high-quality capris, a beautiful scarf and some flats are very useful for anything from a nice lunch to a concert or date.

The Breakfast Room – Childe Hassam, earrings – Alon Diller,  turquoise silk dress -  Maison Martin Margiela, clutch bag – Artessorio,  sandals – Balenciaga,  scarf – Yuh Okano, layered blouse – Dries van Noten, capris – Brunello Cucinelli, suede ballet flats – Chloe

All together?

Lots of options!