This post was originally published on my Substack. For those of you that subscribe to both, it’s a repeat. I’m considering switching things up in 2025 and publishing longer, more personal posts like this exclusively on Substack. I would keep this site as a place for quick “notes”, which is how it all began ten years ago. It’s still a work in progress and as changes are made, I’ll let you now here. Meanwhile, as seen on Substack…
Denim remained at the forefront of my personal style for 2024. Daily looks were often comprised of jeans as the base. What kept the looks fresh were the silhouettes. Three styles rose to the top – a somewhat baggy, loose fitting jean (currently the most modern), a high waist, wide-leg jean (with a nod to Chloe) and a return to a classic Levi’s 501 (which never really went out of style). When I purchase secondary washes or colors in the same fit, I know it’s a winner – details on that below. Towards the end of the year, I introduced a slim, straight pair – The Ruler – from Frame denim. It was a silhouette missing from my closet but one I knew would get lots of wear. They are the most flattering of the bunch when worn with a slight heel.
Only linking available pieces. If not linked, it’s sold out.
Top row: Mother Denim The Hustler Roller Sneak in Heirloom and a few sizes left here. I also have them in a darker wash and grey. Citizens of Humanity Annina, and Levi’s 501 (also have in white).
Bottom row: Levi’s 501, Frame The Ruler (and in black), Mother Denim
A denim shirt was my go-to pairing (mine are from Madewell and The Gap) and I wore the look often with all silhouettes. I slipped on an oversized blazer (mine is Nili Lotan and here) when I wanted to elevate the denim on denim look. All jean styles are high waist so cropped sweaters were featured frequently with a short sleeve Theory cashmere (on sale) and a La Ligne cashmere crew earning top spots.
I buy the best styles in other colors or washes. Here, the classic Levi’s 501 in white. I style them with black year round – sweaters, jackets, tees and blouses. It’s a look I never tire of and clearly one of my uniforms.
On left with a slight heeled loafer pump from The Row and on right with a flat Chanel quilted loafer.
Mother Denim The Hustler Roller is the most comfortable of all my jeans. The denim has a good amount of stretch yet holds its shape. I have them several washes – dark, faded, grey and black. They’re very versatile and easy to dress up or wear casually with sneakers. For all of those reasons, they are the one style of jean I usually travel with.
On left with Nili Lotan Paige jacket (sold out in navy, other colors available), Loewe bag, The Row loafers. On right with A Shirt Story shirt, Dior Bobby Bag and Hogan sneakers.
I have two pair of white jeans in my closet – a straight leg Levi’s 501 and a J.Crew wide leg. Both are 100% cotton. It’s the only denim wash/color I insist has no stretch.
Wearing on the left with COS grey cropped double faced wool jacket and on right with Nili Lotan blazer.
Prior year splurges proved their worth and were worn throughout 2024. The first is a Gucci cropped, boxy boucle jacket purchased from Mytheresa. I wear it mostly as a top and pare it with the various denim styles previously mentioned – exception here. I prefer to style it down with jeans and loafers or sneakers. It’s a great jacket I’d buy again in another color. This style in crepe is great too. Wearing with old Celine loafers.
A second worthy buy is the Bottega Veneta Andiamo (actually purchased late 2023 but was bag of the year for me in 2024). I wear it all the time. The color and style go with everything and it’s an incredibly comfortable fit. A second color has been under consideration but the one I have (BV Acorn) actually works year round with the palette in my closet. TBC…
This post from March highlighted four pieces (including the DVN jacket above) I had my eye on at the time. I ended up purchasing all of them and they remain as favorites in my closet. The Row Parker pump will be a keeper for years to come. It’s everything I look for in a low heeled pump/loafer and the toe shape works with all of my trousers and jeans. The Loewe Flamenco Mini bag is the one I grab when I want to downscale in size. It has a removable chain strap allowing a quick clutch conversion or an optional long leather strap for cross body styling. The versatility in wear makes it the perfect bag for travel. The Gucci GG sandal is a style that will get years of wear. The ivory leather with the iconic Gucci webbing is timeless and reminds me of classic old school Gucci pre all the overdone fanfare of the last decade. Similar colorway here.
The Loewe Flameno Mini convertible bag – clutch, short chain handle, long leather strap crossbody – $3150 at BG and at NM for $2990 (corrected).
And this post, Fall Favorites Updated, was one of the most liked. The Alex Mill jacket sold quickly. Suede was on everyone’s radar. Bally had a brand resurgence particularly with their interpretation of the classic boat shoe. And clean, unfussy jewelry leaning more towards sculptural shapes looked the most interesting and directional. Looking forward, Bally remains one to watch with several key pieces on my 2025 wishlist. Coming soon!
Thanks for reading!
Turn on your JavaScript to view content
Penny
I love reading your posts.
I’ve got to an age where I am a little lost fashionwise, and body shape etc.
I’m just hoping it doesn’t become a paid substack, like so many people that I now can’t enjoy.
Anyway a very happy new year xx
Karima
Thank you for your comment. I don’t plan on requiring a paid subscription on substack. I’m experiencing with the platform and audience but will continue posting here. I appreciate my loyal readers after all these years.