Suede Culottes and a Bandana Sweater, Styled 5 Ways

This post contains gifted items and affiliate links.

I have a rule. Two investment pieces only make it into my wardrobe if I can wear them at least five different ways. Everything is so expensive now.

This fall’s candidates were a pair of Banana Republic suede culottes and the Goldbergh Anshin Sweater. They passed so easily that I could have come up with ten, because they work with so much of what’s already in my closet. That’s the real test of a splurge. It isn’t how it looks on the hanger (everything looks good on the hanger). It’s how many old friends it gets along with in your closet.

If a splurge isn’t in the cards right now, I’ve included less expensive alternatives for both pieces, because the five-ways rule works at any price

So here they are, four looks each, and then the one that brings them together. You’ll see plenty of vintage and years-old favorites along the way, because that’s how a Collected Wardrobe works.

The Banana Republic Suede Culottes

Culottes have gone in and out (I am not sure why…I love them) These Banana Republic culottes are amazing. Suede is an investment, and culottes are a commitment, so these had some proving to do. They didn’t need long. I am wearing a 6 and I could have squeezed into a 4.

1. With a Cashmere Sweater and a Splurge of a Scarf

Mersea brown cashmere sweater (gifted), Quince sweater offered as a less expensive alternative, Pierre Louis Mascia scarf, (major investment but wonderful) Gentle Souls Ella micro suede booties I have been wearing these for several years.

Brown cashmere keeps everything quiet so the scarf can do the talking. The Pierre Louis Mascia is a splurge of its own, and yes, I’m aware I’ve just slipped a third investment piece into a post about two.

2. Suede on Suede

Quince suede chore jacket, vintage Anichini wool scarf, similar shared, Gentle Souls Ella micro suede booties

Yes, that’s suede on suede, and I like breaking that rule. The chore jacket keeps it from feeling too serious, and my vintage Anichini wool scarf gives the look some softness and history.

3. With a Vintage Poncho

Vintage Rag & Bone poncho (similar on eBay), Gentle Souls Namaste knee-high boots (Namaste Micro Suede and Emily knee-highs linked as alternatives)

This poncho is vintage, and it’s a reminder of why I hang on to things. With all that volume up top, the knee-high boots keep the look sharp. My pair is no longer available, so I’ve linked the Gentle Souls Namaste Micro Suede and Emily knee-highs as alternatives, and similar ponchos on eBay for anyone willing to hunt. The best things usually take a little hunting. You might enjoy seeing how I styled this poncho in my post How to Master Column Dressing for a Slimmer Look After 50 here.

4. Ready for Real Weather

Johnny Was Oozie parka, vintage brooch, old belt, Gentle Souls Ella micro suede booties

This is the look for real weather, and proof that suede culottes don’t have to stay home when it turns cold. The parka is the new piece here, but the brooch and belt have been with me for years. Those old pieces are what stop this look from feeling bought all at once. I shared this jacket styled with jeans in my post , Wide leg jeans or barrel jeans after 60 How I style them both here.

The Goldbergh Anshin Sweater

Goldbergh is known for ski clothes, and I’m wearing this nowhere near a slope (I’d like that on the record). What sold me is the brown knit with its bandana pattern, which has a Western streak I can’t resist. [

1. With Faux Suede Pants

Ann Taylor faux suede pants, Gentle Souls Nalston calf hair booties (gifted), old Gigi Pip Wren hat

This gives you the look of suede at a friendlier price, because a splurge doesn’t mean everything has to be one. The calf hair booties add texture, and my old Gigi Pip Wren hat finishes it off.

2. With Jeans and a Hat

AYR Giddy Up jeans, old J.Crew wrap, Native American earrings (similar linked), Gentle Souls Nalston booties, Gigi Pip Wren hat

With jeans, the sweater leans fully into its Western side. The hat is back, along with a J.Crew wrap I’ve had for ages and my Native American earrings. It’s mostly old favorites, and the new sweater fits right in.

3. With My Signature Skirt

CP Shades Lily skirt, Gentle Souls Salco driving loafers (gifted)

If you’ve been reading for a while, you know this skirt. The CP Shades Lily is a look I’m known for, so any new piece has to get along with it. I have linked a couple from resale options. The sweater passed without a fight. I wore it with my Salco driving loafers, the most comfortable shoes I own, because I don’t believe in suffering for a signature look.

4. With Ten-Year-Old Culottes

J.Crew knit culottes from my closet (similar above, Gentle Souls Emily knee-high boots (Namaste Micro Suede knee-highs linked as alternatives), Patricia Nash Kalmar drawstring crossbody (gifted)

I’ve owned these J.Crew knit culottes for ten years, in three colors, which tells you how I feel about a good thing. You can find them styled in this post Fall Fashion the Knitwear Trend here. Add knee-high boots and the Patricia Nash crossbody, and a sweater I just bought looks like it’s been in my closet all along. That’s the point.

Look Five for Both: The Finale

Banana Republic suede culottes, Goldbergh Anshin Sweater, Talbots sherpa jacket (gifted), Gentle Souls Emily booties .

Then I put the two together, added the Talbots jacket, and that was that. This is my fifth look for both pieces, and the one that told me they were worth the investment.

I stopped at five because I promised I would, not because I ran out of ideas. That’s what a good investment does. It doesn’t ask you to buy a whole new life to go with it. It walks into the closet you’ve spent years building and makes everything in there feel a little more interesting, including you.

Now I want to hear from you. What’s the one splurge in your closet that has more than earned its keep, and how many ways do you wear it? Tell me in the comments, and please share this with a friend who needs permission to buy the good thing!