Normally on Thursdays I post a workplace outfit idea with some high-end and low-end pieces. Today, however, I’m dedicating this style post to Kyra Sedgwick’s character in The Closer in honor of the new season.
No one could deny that Sedgwick’s character, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson of the LAPD, makes some bold wardrobe choices. But we can all learn a thing or two from this tough cookie’s style.
1. A classic trench coat is everyone’s friend.
Regardless of your occupation — be it lawyer, HR consultant, caterer, or bit player of private investigators in movies — a trench coat will serve you well. They defy limitation to a particular season, gender, age, weather condition, or formality level; basically, a solid trench coat is suitable for any purpose, any time of year (supported by warm layers underneath in the winter, of course).
2. A well-tailored jacket broadcasts your authority and competence.
It’s hard not to take a woman in a perfectly fitting navy blazer seriously. The show’s stylist, Greg LaVoi, said he had this vintage jacket tailored to fit Kyra Sedgwick like a glove. An ill-fitting jacket is distracting, but one that fits the way it should tells everybody who’s in charge (or, at least, who knows how to dress).
3. A retro sweater twinset is part of the modern woman’s wardrobe.
That favorite of 1950s housewives, a twinset consisting of a cardigan and shell, works for today’s working women. It’s a great alternative to a suit jacket when paired with a nice pencil skirt or pair of trousers. Getting one in a modern color like dove gray ups the “now” factor.
4. Don’t be afraid of femininity.
In most situations in this modern day and age, women don’t have to rebut notions that being female means a lack of competence, confidence, authority, or skill. Women can embrace their femininity without fear that doing so will undermine their efforts. So, wear a flouncy dress and a pink cardigan if it makes you happy. Brenda Leigh Johnson sure would.
5. Play with color.
Okay, maybe not necessarily these colors, together, but the point is a valid one. Brenda’s no wallflower, and neither must you be. Go ahead and wear the oranges, purples, blues, yellows, and greens that you deviously used to fingerpaint the hallway as a child.
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Ah, yes, but where on Earth does one find a good sweater set? I can’t seem to, especially because I’m allergic to wool. If someone can direct me to a good cotton twinset, I’ll owe them one!
Hmm. I seem to remember J.Crew every so often carrying a “Jackie” twinset that was cotton (no wool) with a bit of stretch.
And… aha! Here it is, and on sale: http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/cotton/PRDOVR~85613/99101968255/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~jackie/85613.jsp
I guess the catch is that it’s 3/4 length sleeves, but that’s great for the current season.
Hi Gretchen,
Ann Taylor Factory Store (if there’s one near you) or Ann Taylor Loft have great cotton twin sets. This week the Factory Store is having a 40% off sale. Also, Land’s End online has a wide variety of colors and the price and quality are good. They have frequent sales and you can sign up for online notices. Talbot’s has some cotton ones as well but often they have an acetate / cotton combo which I don’t like the feel of.
I am so with you on the wool Gretchen. I am always on the hunt in the Winter/Fall for non wool sweaters. I have had some luck with the Banana Republic outlets which tend to carry less wool than the regular store. I usually just end up hating most of my winter wardrobe as all of the other girls parade by in cute wool sweaters.
I was google-ing The Closer and came upon your spot on blog! Congratulations! You get it. You get Brenda Leigh Johnson, she can dress like a lady in a mans world, very apropos for a career girl today in 2010! Thanks for the great fashion tips and thanks for being a fan of the way I dress Brenda on The Closer–Greg LaVoi
Wow! Thank you so much for your comment! I’m clearly a huge fan. Look forward to seeing your work every week! Lots of love to you and thanks for stopping by!
I love your blog! Now, can you help me find her great burgundy leather blazer in last week’s episode??
This one seems too red: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,2760F_Tibor-Leather-New-Zealand-Lamb-Blazer-For-Women.html
Can you help me find one that won’t break this teacher’s bank??
Lisa
I live in Vancouver B.C. and would love information on where I can purchase the type of skirts worn by Kyra on The Closer. They appear to be straight and just below knee length they flare out. The material appears light and flimsy.
Thanks – Joanne
WIll you please tell me what Kyra was wearing in the Closer (sorry don’t know the episode because we DVR them and watched last night– when the neice made MJ brownies… the victem was cut and mailed to her office in a blue cooler) the red and white dress with a great bodice. So flattering.
I’m sorry, I don’t know the answer!
What kind of undergarments is worn under her skirts. Looks like a loose silky type of panty short?