It’s no secret that a cashmere sweater and cigarette jeans are the weekend uniform for fall. Is the combo chic? Perhaps. Easy? Definitely. Pragmatic? Of course. But it’s also… incredibly boring.
Since moving to New York, I’ve accumulated more than a dozen crewneck sweaters, but I dreaded wearing them. A sweater and jeans feels like a sartorial Groundhog Day — the details may slightly differ, but it’s basically the same outfit, over and over until spring.
And then — inspiration strikes.
Last weekend, a few key ingredients thrust my sweater-and-jeans in a theatrical, 1960s-steeped direction. The defining statement? The layered necklaces, inspired by a 1965 Rockette “astronaut” costume I recently saw on display at Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship Manhattan location. (If you’re in town, you can see the costume archive on the 9th floor until December 29.)
The costume’s over-sized pearl accents reminded me of Wilma Flintstone, another 1960s fashion icon.
For my space-age homage, I combined pearls with plastic, layering a classic J.Crew necklace with a gaudy Juicy Couture piece I received as a gift but never worn. When paired with such bold accessories, the sweater looker brighter and bluer — and even better, it felt brand new.
This outfit also serves as a reminder that timeless inspiration can come from anywhere — the latest art exhibit, old Hollywood costumes, classic architecture, good old-fashioned nature. (My manicure, seen below, is an homage to the architecture of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia.)
How do you spice up the sweater-and-jeans standby?
