One Sweater, Two Ways
December 26th is a day off for most people. Those who celebrate Christmas are recovering from wine-induced hangovers and food comas caused by copious amounts of cookies and cake. The 26th is a great day to bop around town to start using gift cards given the day before, or to relax at home with a good book, warm coffee and wintry music.
Though I spent the morning in my pajamas and robe, I had to run errands because I had no bananas or coffee filters in the house. I’ve eaten a banana with breakfast every day for over 15 years, and I go into panic mode when I don’t have one around. Since today is the 26th, there’s nothing wrong with staying casual when hitting the town, so I threw on my warm J. Crew Birdseye print sweater.
The blowing snow and icy sidewalks called for durable, rugged clothing. On such occasions, the shawl collar of the J. Crew sweater provides added warmth. Most J. Crew sweaters I’ve purchased fall apart or tear within a year or two. This one is more functional and has lasted longer thanks to a heavier weave. I’ve seen a couple iterations by North Sea Clothing and Norse Projects that I have my eye on, but they’re low on my “To Buy” list. Until I have more spare change in my pockets, the J. Crew sweater does the job. With my Belstaff vest, U.S. Navy chambray shirt and Baldwin raw denim, it helps create the quintessential Northern look.
Yesterday afternoon was my Grandpa’s memorial service, so I switched out of the casual morning ensemble and wore the J. Crew sweater over a dress shirt and trousers. I’m not one to mix more than two patterns in most cases, but I wanted to wear my Grandpa's floral Claiborne in memory of his life. The tie did the talking while the J. Crew sweater and Eidos shirt tied the colors together. The key to making the look work was the understated gray Eidos trousers, which I wore as a separate for the first time. Wearing suit trousers as separates is not a move I often advocate, but for semi-formal occasions they’re a suitable choice when other trousers need repair. Make sure you wear them with classic colors and patterns, otherwise they look funny.
Much like a shawl-collared cardigan or turtleneck in dark, regal colors, my J. Crew sweater is easy to dress up and dress down. Having a few such pieces is practical in the North, a place less formal than the coasts yet a place where looking sharp and cozy is of utmost importance.
Look 1 - Sweater: J. Crew, Vest: Belstaff, Shirt: U.S. Navy-issued Chambray (Vintage), Denim: Baldwin, Boots: Red Wing Heritage, Gloves: Barbour
Look 2 - Sweater: J. Crew, Shirt and Trousers: Eidos Napoli, Tie: Claiborne (Vintage), Coat: Barbour