Trench coats, boots, belts...none of this is groundbreaking. But finding the best of each category takes work, and that’s where this weeks’ newsletter comes in. I’ve spent years building my wardrobe foundation, which has meant a lot of buying, returning, and rejecting.
While I really love shopping, I don’t always love getting dressed. I’d rather invest my time into building my wardrobe so that when it comes time to get dressed, putting an outfit together feels effortless.
Most of these are investment pieces, they’re the foundation of your wardrobe. It takes time to build but choosing 1 or 2 pieces to invest in each season is a good starting point. My suggestions of where to begin are below.
Trench Coats
I somehow went from 0 trench coats to 2 this season. I’ve been looking for years and hadn’t found the exact right style for me, until I scored this Magda Butrym one earlier this summer. I was also recently introduced to this Matin Studio one and it is equally as good (I wear the size 6). The cotton fabrication is just right and it’s timeless while still feeling modern. A serious splurge, but I tried on the Badva trench from The Row a few months back and it was pretty amazing, on sale here. I also love the idea of a nylon trench, feels very 90’s or sporty spice, if that’s your style. This option also feels super chic and I know people rave about this one. As far as TheRealReal goes, these have all been sitting in my obsessions: The Row, Khaite, Vintage Prada, and Gabrielle Hearst (which also doubles as your statement jacket, which we’ll get to later this month). And while I love the look of the Frankie Shop coats, I’ve found that they can be overwhelming on most and hard to wear.
Boots
There’s a fair amount of clothing categories I’m a bit addicted to... denim, tanks, white t-s, but my boot addiction is #1. Boots are a great place to invest because they wear well and can be an instant outfit maker. I just pulled the trigger on these. The low heel and elongated toe make them practical but elevated. Easy to walk in, they can seamlessly transition from work to a nice dinner out. If you already have your black boot covered, this brown could be your next move. Not quite as practical, but equally amazing, these would instantly make an outfit. These give a similar effect for a fraction of the price. These were my big boot purchase last fall, and I’ll still be wearing them this year, and for many years to come. I also love these and these (under $500) which seem versatile enough to take you from day to night. I have yet to find a knee high pair I feel passionate about, but when I do I’ll report back. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of these…and these.
Belts
A good belt goes a long way and can turn a white tee and jeans into an outfit. It’s also an easy way to make your office looks feel a little more exciting and personal to you. I know we’ve all been seeing this belt everywhere, and I love it as much as the next person, but personally find this version to be more timeless. The studs could get old quickly, but the all leather version feels like something that would last in your closet forever. I find myself wearing it multiple times a week, and am debating investing in one of the brown and gold styles. If you’re looking for an even more understated and timeless belt, I love the sleekness of this and the vintage feel of this.
Denim
I swear by these jeans and can not recommend them enough. If you’ve been here for a minute, I’m sorry you have to hear about them again. These jeans make getting ready so easy, because they always work and look good with just about everything. The first are super high waisted, with a long inseam for an elongating look. I love pairing them with a slightly heeled boot. They hadn’t quite gotten a black wash right until this season (no need to size up in this wash). You'll most likely need to shorten them, but it's worth it. The second pair are a slightly easier fit and are better for petite frames (no alterations needed). This is my current favorite wash (definitely size up). The two styles aren’t all that different but the simplest explanation: Danielle’s are best reserved for a night out, and the Abigail’s are the ultimate day time denim. Generally, most people prefer to size up, but each wash fits slightly differently, annoying but again, worth it.
For a looser style, I recently found these and they’re everything I’ve been looking for - low rise, loose, and very comfortable. They also come in two different perfect blue washes. If you’re in between sizes consider sizing down.
Sweaters
If I could only recommend two sweaters, they would be this classic roundneck and the infamous cardigan. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect, simple cashmere sweater to wear over a t-shirt or under a blazer, and People’s Republic of Cashmere checks all the boxes. They generously offered a discount - Ilana15. Onto the Scarlet cardigan, obviously pricey, but it’s the easiest (and coziest) answer when you a) don’t know what to wear or b) don’t feel like getting dressed - it’s a no brainer. I wear a size S in both.
Side note, why is a good black cashmere cardigan so hard to find? I haven’t tried the Vince one but it looks promising. Some less expensive but still great sweaters: this cotton cardigan, and this reliable crewneck. And if you’re after a pop of red (à la Kendall Jenner’s Vogue 7 Days, 7 Looks), this probably won’t be in stock for long.
Leather Jackets
I prefer either a fitted style, or something more oversized, as opposed to one that falls in the middle. This in a size up would make for a great forever jacket. A step further than your classic leather jacket, but Acne absolutely nailed the brown leather shearling, it’s exactly what you’d envision but somehow better. If this color falls into your wheelhouse, this would be an incredibly chic addition to your closet. Also let’s not underestimate the men’s sale section, that would be a mistake. And my solution to a more budget friendly pick will always be TheRealReal, every time. Some of these fall more into the leather blazer category, but for todays purposes we’ll call them leather jackets: Vintage Gucci, a burgundy Alaïa, Vintage Loewe, Vintage Prada, 90’s Cavalli, shrunken r13, and a 2000’s Fendi.
Next week we’ll cover bags, blazers, t-shirts, denim jackets, and flats!
Love this excited for part 2
This is great! FYI, I had the Acne shearling and gave it away because it is SO heavy!