An Inventory · Appendix I

The Wardrobe

A working inventory.

Not a shopping list. A test. Print it, walk to the closet, and tick only what you already own and actually wear. The gaps reveal themselves; the surpluses, even more so.

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Morning · 9 A.M.

A tailored suit or well-cut dress in a solid colour
Brown leather accessories — Dariaux's prescription for morning
Flat or low-heeled shoes, appropriate for walking
No jewellery except a watch
Note: no black in the morning — brown is the correct leather

Luncheon · 1 P.M.

The same suit, refreshed — a scarf changed, a jacket added
A simple day dress if not in a suit
Gloves, if the occasion requires
One small accessory: a brooch, a scarf, or a bracelet — never all three

Afternoon · 3 P.M.

A dress that reads as slightly smarter than morning
A wool or silk dress in a flattering neutral
Heels begin here if the occasion is social
Jewellery remains discreet — a single piece

Cocktail · 6 P.M.

The black wool dress — Dariaux's load-bearing anchor for this hour
One quality piece of jewellery
A small handbag in leather or suede
Heels, always

Dinner · 8 P.M.

Not a long black gown — Dariaux specifies this fails the obligation of evening
Colour: this is the hour that requires it
A dinner dress or short evening dress in a jewel tone or white
The evening bag — small, precious, chosen with care

Late Evening · 10 P.M.

The long dress earns its place here
Brilliance is a duty — this is the one hour for it
Jewellery may be generous; fur if you have it
The discreetly dressed woman at this hour is conspicuous by her understatement

The Anchors · Year-Round

One excellent winter coat, in navy, camel, or black
One trench, beige or stone
One well-cut tailored suit
Two crisp white blouses
One cashmere or fine-gauge sweater
One Hermès or equivalent handbag for daily use
One pair of black pumps, repaired rather than replaced
Two silk scarves

Jewellery

Pearl earrings or simple studs
One slim watch
One cherished piece worn often
Nothing else, by daylight

“A woman is never so well dressed as when one cannot remember what she was wearing.”