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Cara Dutton outfits in 1923 have a practical side, but the clothes are more specific than a barn coat and cowboy boots. The useful idea to borrow is the balance: a defined waist, a softer shirt and layers that look ready for a real day.
Costume designer Janie Bryant told IndieWire that Cara was deliberately dressed in an older style, with an accentuated waist and an A-line skirt. These are current pieces to build a practical wardrobe around that mood, not verified screen-worn clothes or reproductions of her costumes.
Pale Blue Cotton Poplin Shirt
Pale blue cotton poplin shirt from Alex Mill. A clean collar is an easier starting point than a whole period outfit. The Jo is cotton poplin, so it brings a little crispness under the olive coat or an open cardigan. Leave it plain at the neck if you are wearing the pearl necklace. Check the shoulder and chest measurements rather than sizing for an oversized look automatically. Shop here.
Olive Canvas Barn Coat
Olive canvas barn coat from Filson. The corduroy collar and patch pockets bring the practical part of the idea into an everyday jacket. This is unlined cotton canvas, not a winter coat; add a knit underneath when the weather calls for it. The olive also breaks up the brown and black pieces. Medium was unavailable when checked. Shop here.
Mahogany Flat Knee-High Boots
Mahogany flat knee-high boots from Fairfax & Favor. A tall leather boot makes a simple skirt and shirt feel more considered. The flat Regina is the choice here, not the heeled version. Check the calf measurements for the regular fit before ordering: the right foot size does not settle the fit through the leg. The brown leather works with the ecru knit without needing a matching brown outfit. Shop here.
Soft Brown Leather Shoulder Tote
Soft brown leather shoulder tote from Latico. The Lindsey is a relaxed carryall rather than a rigid little bag. Its wide strap and generous shape suit a day when a small shoulder bag will not hold enough. Interior pockets and a key leash help with the daily rummage. This is the roomier choice, so check the dimensions if you prefer a compact bag. Shop here.
Ecru Merino Cable Cardigan
Ecru merino cable cardigan from Peregrine. An ecru cable knit lightens the darker pieces without turning the outfit sugary. The Beckett is made in Britain from merino wool. Wear it with navy trousers or open over the blue shirt; you do not need another textured layer over it. Check the knitwear care instructions before deciding whether it fits your routine. Shop here.
Black Midi Skirt with a Front Slit
Black midi skirt with a front slit from Brochu Walker. The Esme gives the waist-and-skirt idea a deliberately modern finish. It is vegan leather, not leather, and its straight shape is different from the fuller period skirts. Keep the shirt soft and the accessories restrained. The front slit changes the line as you move, so consider where you want to wear it before choosing it as an everyday skirt. Shop here.
Toffee Silk-Lined Leather Gloves
Toffee silk-lined leather gloves from Dents. A warm tan glove is a smaller way to bring the palette into clothes you already own. These Dents gloves pair hairsheep leather with silk lining. Measure your hand against the size chart rather than buying by your usual clothing size. They are a polished finishing piece, not a substitute for insulated gloves in severe cold. Shop here.
Small Black Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Small black freshwater pearl necklace from Jennifer Fisher. Dark pearls are quieter with a pale collar than a large statement necklace. This Jennifer Fisher strand has an 18-karat gold clasp and the selected length is fifteen inches. Check that length against a necklace you already like; it is a close-to-the-neck choice. Wear it alone rather than layering several necklaces over the shirt. Shop here.
Long Black Cashmere Cardigan
Long black cashmere cardigan from NAADAM. The NAADAM duster is the soft indoor layer in the edit. Its long shape works over a plain top and trousers without pretending to be a tailored coat. It is Mongolian cashmere, so the care commitment is part of the decision. Black was available only in XS and S when checked; choose it for fit, not simply because a size remains. Shop here.
Navy Washed Velvet Pants
Navy washed velvet pants from Frank & Eileen. The Maisie pants are the relaxed evening alternative to the midi skirt. Their rayon-and-silk velvet gives navy some depth without adding a print. Pair them with the ecru knit for dinner or the blue shirt for a tonal outfit. They are soft trousers, not a replacement for crisp tailoring; check the inseam and care instructions first. Shop here.
Cinnamon Felt Rancher Hat
Cinnamon felt rancher hat from Gigi Pip. The Zephyr brings the strongest Western note. Its teardrop crown and cinnamon felt can work with a simple coat, but the outfit does not need the boots, gloves and hat all at once. Measure your head before choosing a size. Skip the hat if it makes the clothes feel like a costume rather than your own wardrobe. Shop here.
Black Suede Block-Heel Pumps
Black suede block-heel pumps from Sarah Flint. The Perfect Emma is the dressier shoe option, with a tortoise-printed patent heel against black suede. It gives the midi skirt a different mood from the tall boots. The leather lining and rubber forepart are practical details, but suede still needs weather-conscious care. Choose this for a polished indoor day or dinner, not a muddy walk. Shop here.
Build One Outfit, Not a Costume
Start with the blue shirt and one bottom you already reach for. Add the olive coat for daytime or the ecru cardigan for a softer layer. The pearls, gloves and hat are alternatives for different days, not a checklist to wear together. If a piece only makes sense as part of a television costume, leave it out.
Related Reading
- Elizabeth Dutton Outfits: The Light, Romantic Side of 1923
- Elsa Dutton Outfits: The 1883 Look, Piece by Piece
- Monica Dutton Outfits: Sweaters, Boots, Dresses and Western Jewelry
Shop the full collection: buy it here
Shop the Post
- Alex Mill Jo Cotton Poplin Shirt in Calm Blue
- Filson Canvas Barn Coat in Marsh Olive
- Fairfax & Favor Regina Flat Boot in Mahogany
- Latico Lindsey Tote in Brown
- Peregrine Beckett Cable Knit Cardigan in Ecru
- Brochu Walker Esme Vegan Leather Midi Skirt in Black Onyx
- Dents Felicity Silk Lined Leather Gloves in Toffee
- Jennifer Fisher Mini Freshwater Pearl Necklace in Black
- NAADAM Luxe Cashmere Duster in Black
- Frank & Eileen Maisie Italian Washed Velvet Pants in Navy
- Gigi Pip Zephyr Rancher Hat in Cinnamon
- Sarah Flint Perfect Emma Pump in Black Suede
