25 unsolicited outfit ideas

We’re in bloom, baby

The thing they don’t tell you about having style is that it is always influenced by your surroundings. And to the extent that any of us have bought into the theory that there are no original ideas, the same could be said for original style. None of it is technically original because it is always inspired by or derivative of something else.

Then again, the thing about originality is that it does not have to be generated from scratch to be original. You can just the same blend several ideas and concepts, infuse them with the psychic and soulful substance that makes you, you, then spin all of that into something new.

It’s like, my kids are constructed of half my DNA and half my husband’s, but that doesn’t make them half copies of each of us. They are also completely original, living expressions of divine creation in the broadest sense.

This has been on my mind a lot as I notice my style taking new turns — as I lean into lighter layers and subtler color and tighter, more sensual shapes. I think to myself: have I lost my sense of originality?

J. Crew sweater, Jean Paul Gaultier jeans, Marsell clogs

On a good day, I realize, of course not. Where what drove me prior was influenced by a decidedly different aesthetic, it was still just that: influenced. But creative curiosity is taking it elsewhere. And whatever is playing out is an honest expression of that curiosity. A renewed commitment to honoring it.

Acknowledging this, in a way, disarms a misguided sense of loyalty to things and ideas and ways of dressing that I’ve called “so me.” To the stasis implicit in labeling yourself.

It makes it feel more natural and exciting to embrace evolution (change) and see the almost spiritual loyalty to trust within the embrace. And anyway, I do always find myself.

By Malene Birger crochet cardigan, Michael Kors tee (got it second hand for under $30; try searching ‘Michael Kors surf tee’), Chloe horse pants (from the prior collection and also worth consideration are these), your mocs alt here

Meanwhile, I admit: The great thaw was premature. I did the thing I said you’re not supposed to and called winter over before it was. But I think now we are actually out of the woods — proof: I went for a run yesterday after a week out of town around 6 in the morning and on the path, floral whiffs filled my lungs while birds chirped. The colors blooming out of the trees were so overwhelming, I could not let a single additional input through.

And at the end of it all, my hands weren’t cold. No gloves were necessary and my hands weren’t cold. Such. Sweet. Relief.

As always when the weather gets gentle and the creative output around it no longer must reconcile so much practicality as its first order urgency, the clothes get more fun to put on.

This is an old Rodebjer macrame fringe sweater; you can possibly reproduce the vibe with Sea’s fringe vest layered under a sweater like this, although I think the linked sweater does the complete job

You have this as an alt for top too, but I’m bullish on the Caron Callahan number. Pants are The Garment, sunglasses are Miu Miu, shoes are the blue suede Gianvito Rossi boaters (see also: these) and that black fish is from Vertigo

I don’t know if this is how it goes for you too, but I am genuinely more compelled to get outside when I am eager to get dressed. And when I’m out, I’m more open to chance, I’m actually living, as in making life.

It’s not that the clothes make me want to live, but they’re a first-pass flame-igniter. I have said that they (the clothes) can’t solve your problems or actually make you happy — that they won’t literally make you any stronger — but when they hit, I maintain that they really can arm you with the kind of confidence that unlocks faith. Faith in yourself and then with so much grace, everyone that is around you.

At worst, they make getting through a slog better, and at best might implore you to get the hell out there and make your dreams come true! At the grand prospect hall!

Of course you don’t need clothes to make this happen, but I am convinced that you need a low stakes creative outlet. One that is more pleasure than work. That is the flame-igniter. If getting dressed is it, honor that. Try on the outfits. Make the lookbook. Bring your baby along for the ride —

Prada cape (but All Three’s makes a solid case — pun intended), The Row belt, Nili Lotan pants, Zara sandals; bb is model’s own and wears a complete look from The Gap

The bodysuit has wood boob cups — from Shtor

And if it’s not, do the thing that is, or figure out what it can be. In either instance, here r 25 outfit ideas that reflect the evolution mentioned above, to accommodate the highs and lows (temperature-wise, but emotionally too, I guess) of the next bouquet of weeks —

By Malene Birger silk balloon pants, Veronica de Piante dress (a good summer alt 1, a possibly better bet 2), Hunting Season basket bag, vintage collar necklace, Shtor wooden horn, Zara sandals

By Malene Birger cape (it’s on good sale at Bessette), Aflalo jeans, Rothy’s knit clogs, Ray-ban’s original wayfarer and here’s a great compact bag to serve the same purpose

Frances de Lourdes ‘Cami’ tank, here’s a dead ringer of a belt from Dehanche, Argent seasonless wool trousers, Gucci otk boots, Entrudo bag, Studio Deve x Nette perfume holder necklace

Here’s how I wore it to the Passover seder (volume II) a couple weeks ago, with this necklace (a very good alt) and a vintage fringe scarf as the outfit maker

She had a vision, I had to honor it. These boots are awesome, but they are on their way back to MyTheresa. I canit figure out how to wear them in a way that feels honest, which is not exactly as they are shown on site

Heirlome silk shirt with shoulder pads, Jujuvera turquoise stone collar, Alighieri fish necklace, H&M cargo shorts, Valentino sandals

Soeur jacket worn as shirt, and cobalt blue pants, Khaite sandals, Olympia Le Tan clutch and here are good beads to add your flair

LMND blue button down, By Malene Birger belt (nice alt), Magda Butrym shorts (should have waited for these from Kallmeyer), Emme Parsons sandals (but I’m sold on these for the season — the wood sole makes them feel more relaxed); the necklace is forthcoming! From Dorsey

Esant shirt dress styled over lightweight cotton black trousers, The Row raffia belt on skin, Khaite boots (but would do with sandals like these — think the wood sole is key)

More belt on skin action here with a turtleneck tied in the back and styled with Jamie Haller’s long skirt (love this one from Co too); the gold bangles are from Ysso

Le Sundial necklace, Aligne khaki top (would you try this one?), Tory Burch skirt, Gucci boots (these are not a no)

The key here is to mix two completely different vibes — the casual fringe jacket and stone sandals are a nod the laidback and rustic vibe of the Southwest, while the tailored pants and top handle bag reflect one’s uptight inner lady (I maintain this bag from Veronica Beard as a great option)

Sometimes clothes look better when you’re sitting

Aflalo dress, Dries van Noten pants (this color combo is more festive, but the shape is a bit more overwhelming too), Gianvito Rossi sandals and that chunk of lapis around my neck is from Vertigo

Aflalo dress, Veronica Beard shorts (I like these striped terry cuties too, they remind me of the early 2000’s, when I wore the word ‘Juicy’ across my ass), Phoebe Philo sandals

And the clouds descended once again: Toteme suede shirt (here is an awesome alt from Frame just sub $1k and another that cinches from Cos sub $500), a vintage designer jumpsuit (just go with Alo!), The Row boots I told you I was going to send back. I’m having second thoughts now!

Loulou Studios coat, Beaufille tank, Ciao Lucia shorts, Gabriela Hearst riding boots (these are the perfect alternative; the wood sole is helpful to create a new dynamic that makes way for the necklace on leather chord and suede bag — click that link, she’s good!). The sunglasses are Khaite

Smythe sweater (this is similar), Kule ‘Wynn’ tee (the neck is high enough that it peeks out from under most crew neck sweaters and the cotton does a reliable job breaking up a look of wools), Callas Milano ‘Jules’ pants (still sold out — these from Ref are a comp; for something higher waist, there are these), Tory Burch mesh flats and cork basket bag

Pilosoule trench coat, Tory Burch striped tunic and bag, Chico’s (yes, Chico’s!!!) elastic waist pants, Jamie Haller loafers

The sunglasses are Miu Miu and that bracelet has a FROG PROTRUDING OUT OF IT

Turns into a prince if you kiss it 3x

Soeur bucket hat (this one is up next), Kallmeyer trench coat, here’s a good bra if this expression intrigues you, The Row raffia belt and moccasins, High Sport ‘Louis’ pants

Vince sweater, Doen skirt, Row shoes and that’s LV’s ‘Biker’ bag

There’s the Dorsey collar again (dare we try something like this or this or this or — I could go on) with Alighieri’s fish pendant and Khaite sunglasses

What! How’d this get in here?

Miu Miu sunglasses, Kallmeyer top (love her too), some raw jeans for you here (but if you’re open to these, they’re a great outfit maker, and now 30% off) and Flowze sandals.

Argent tuxedo jacket, Aflalo genie pants, The Row blue suede loafers (these are still out there, but I think these are the definitively next best thing) and here’s a bag to bring it home. Would include this lapis necklace from Vertigo to supplement bag (or shoes)

By Malene Birger pearls, Loulou Studio ‘Martil’ long jacket, Skall Studio denim shirt, Aflalo skinny jeans, Khaite ‘Lotus’ tote, and here are the sandals I’d pair instead

TWP short sleeve button down (from last year. but this is the same color and this is plain old good), Dries van Noten skirt (but she’s the host of the party, huh), Phoebe Philo heels

Aflalo leopard coat. Loulou Studios lace up top, H&M cargo shorts, Khaite booties

Pucci top, Aflalo jeans, Etro sandals

It always ends with school drop-off. Emote sweater jacket, All Three ‘Claire’ tank, Deiji Studios cotton peplum and jersey pants (they come poplin too; these feel like a combo of the peplum and pants), patent leather moccasins, Khaite sunglasses

Have a great week,

Leandra