WEARING LATELY: PART THREE

In the WEARING LATELY series, you’ll notice a lot of pieces marked as old. It’s a testament to consistency in personal style and confidence in how I want to dress. When an item is no longer available, I always try and link new alternatives for you. They’re thoughtfully selected and what I’d purchase for myself. The hope is you’ll find some gems worth holding on to while building a wardrobe reflective of your own personal style.

Picking up from the last look in Wearing Lately: Part Two, I’m continuing with the jeans then adding a sweater, funnel neck top, culottes (skirt), and khaki chinos.

Even though this look features a jacket, the same could be achieved with an elongated, fitted cardigan. In fact, it may even be more versatile to go that route. I’ve seen quite a few this season that would do this well. Wear one buttoned from the waist up, letting the lower half hang open. A mid-heel Mary Jane pump elevates the look to a night out look.

The jacket is vintage and in my opinion the best way to collect older Chanel pieces. They’re rarely perfect, but have character and feel less precious than one that’s new. Plus, the price point is significantly better. Read here about how I source vintage.

CASUAL SWEATER: Same jeans, now with a cosy cashmere sweater (or cotton come summer) and flat sandals. Nothing exciting, but that’s what I like for a running around outfit. It has the qualities I want for an everyday uniform…comfort, quality, understated but stylish.

Since Chanel shoes are not sold online, unless you shop resale, I’m linking styles that achieve the same overall look. Prada meets a luxe vibe, while Birkenstocks read ultra comfort. (I only like the Birks with a smooth leather footbed. They’re usually associated with the limited edition or special runs.) The sweater is BR from a couple of seasons back. Admittedly, BR is not on my radar, but I saw the sweater in the store window and loved the color and texture. The quality is great and the price point reasonable in comparison to luxury cashmere sweaters. And frankly, it feels just as luxurious. Maybe even more so than some of my Khaite sweaters at triple the price.

BOMBER JACKET: I posted an Instagram Story on this jacket when it was released with the latest Uniqlo C collection (collaboration with Clare Waight Keller). It of course sold out immediately as many of the Uniqlo limited edition products do. I should have bought another color. I like that it’s slightly oversized but not overwhelming. What you don’t see are the side zippers that give it a much more fashion forward edge. And…it’s water resistant. Follow me on Instagram if you don’t want to miss out on some of these buys that sell out quickly. It’s the best way for me to share the links in real time.

Styled here with Frame jeans, a COS white t-shirt, and Alaia Mary Janes. The shoes are incredibly comfortable. I missed out on them in red, but white is up for consideration.

MARY JANES: I’m partial to the Alaia Vienne just because I know how comfortable they are but other styles and price points are plenty. Regardless of what brand, it’s a very versatile shoe to wear with jeans or a skirt/dress. I’m wearing with a basic knit crew from fall posted here, still available. Other Mary Jane flats from Aeyede, Stella McCartney, and Stuart Weitzman

A FULL SKIRT: Truth be told, I’m wearing culottes, not a skirt. They’re COS and so full, you can’t even tell. That being said, and the fact they sold out immediately (again, I had them in my Instagram Story), I’m instead referring to the above outfit with optional skirts. They achieve the same look and are more widely available. Try this,

The full bottom requires a slim top. I made an attempt with a cropped sleeveless knit but think I could do better. I do love the murky colors together and the contrasting textures though. I’m keeping it open as an option for now. A low heel sandal helps with the balance of silhouettes.

If I’m opting for a sleeved top, I’d either go with a fitted cropped jacket or cardigan. For a “set” look, I bought a brown cotton cardigan in an XS (not at all my usual size, but for the look, it works).

NEW CHINOS: A fresh take on an old favorite. The barrel silhouette gives the chinos an edge with a modern fit. Keeping it simple with the same basic black sweater from fall and an ivory funnel neck top from earlier this year. I’ll probably include the chinos in my next packing list.

The final look in this exercise. One of the benefits of doing this is to visualize how pieces look together in reality versus in my mind. It saves time down the road when getting dressed already knowing what works. Plus, it forces me to look at older pieces in my closet in fresh ways and nudges me to wear new pieces sooner rather than later.