Hi! Welcome back to ~open thread,~ the hottest nightclub in town. This place has everything: armholes, leg holes, pleather cutouts, and pigeons on flamingo stilts.
I’m kidding, this is actually an informal and somewhat personalized styling service, or at least an advice thread for getting dressed. It takes place below and works like this: you comment a question within the first 24 hours this thread is published,and I answer it. You’ll get a notification when I have responded, but I’ll also always let you know by dispatch when I have gotten through the questions.
There were some common themes the last time I did this — and lots of voting on specific questions/answers, so I’ve been thinking: if there are particular questions you want to see answered more fully (like, with photos and links and shit), upvote them and I’ll figure out how to incorporate those q’s into the rest of TCA’s programming.
My favorite question last time around, which came up a few times was:
What do I wear when I’m going through a hate-everything-in-my-closet phase?
There are lots of formulas that touch upon how to recover from wardrobe malaise, but lately, I’ve been doing this thing where I devour pages of different e-commerce sites until I feel something — perplexity, excitement, curiosity, desire — anything that makes me think: “Oh! I would wear that.”
I’m usually more inspired by the way things are paired than I am by the actual items. For example: this cropped button-down shirt is really good and drew my attention, but mostly because of how it looks with those tailored trouser shorts.
The pairing is so good, in fact, that I don’t even actually know if I could unsee it, and would therefore hold the shirt to such a high regard that I couldn’t wear it with anything else I own. So maybe, I say to myself, I’m actually eager to try a pair of trouser shorts.
This is typically when I go to my closet. Do I have trousers shorts? I do! If I didn’t, I’d want these. So what can I pair with them? Something I’m not going to want to tuck in. I liked how the shirt hung over the shorts. Does mine have to be button-down? Nah. But I would like the hem on the shirt to be loose enough to wear over the shorts, and cropped enough that it doesn’t cover much more than the waistline on said shorts. Here’s where I landed:
Wearing a jacket as a shirt. But it could have gone several different ways — I could have used a somewhat cropped t-shirt, probably in grey or black, layered a wide hem GOING OUT TOP over some form of shell — t-neck, t-shirt, you name it — that was tucked in. I could have also just worn a button-down. If I didn’t have one that was short enough or had a wide hem, I could cut an old shirt depending on how desperate I was. Would you do something like that?
But if I didn’t have trouser shorts at all, what would have been the closest thing? In terms of shape only,probably these jean shorts — they’re longer than regular cut-offs, not super high waist and wide-ish leg.
Shown here with a sequined blouse (by Gianfranco Ferre, found it on The Real Real) that does the thing: it isn’t too tight and hangs over the shorts. Also shown: red ballet slippers — they’re from The Row, I got them on sale last winter. Here they are in green, but full price. Mansur Gavriel’s square toe ballet flats are pretty good too; big fan of the yellow.
As far as shoes:I am realizing more and more that I am crazy about fisherman sandals because they do such a thorough job creating that fashion tension I’m always talking about where you don’t commit so fully to one kind of dress code (formal, casual, etc) and instead pull in references (as in, moods/tones/vibes/tears) from everywhere.
So with the trouser shorts, for example, I could wear loafers, I could wear heels, I could wear ballet shoes and commit to looking POLISHED but that would defeat the purpose of expressing my ~multitudes.~ I’d rather say, I know how to set up a SEP-IRA account (see: shorts), but I live life for me, and right now, I just want to sit next to my kids in the sandbox. You know?
You probably don’t know. And to be honest, I don’t even mean that. The sandbox is disgusting my kids have recently become fucking demons possessed by so much awareness of their own me-hood that I’m pretty sure mine is chipping away.
There are other formulas! I’m up for expounding upon them if you’re down for more but if you’re not, we can just talk about something else because, remember, this is an open thread. Your open thread. So, how can I help you get dressed?
When I go back to work I want to create a uniform - like sub-5 outfit formulas in constant rotation. I’m in finance - so need professional but not boring. Where to start?!
I cannot for the life of me figure out what shoes to wear with wide leg pants. I’ve googled, trawled Pinterest, people-watched and stalked every stylish person on Instagram but I’m still lost! I have a simple black twill pair, quite soft, high waist, full length. Sneakers, sock boots, healed boots, strappy sandals, loafers, chunky sandals/slides and kitten heels all feel so wrong. Do I just give up? Or is there something I’m missing? Thank you in advance for your advice ❤️
Tips for finding second hand items on sites like realreal, etsy, depop? I tend to get lost in all the options but am trying to buy more second hand items.
I’m turning into my mother, it’s the phase where she stopped wearing anything fitted. The pandemic has helped this transition along and anything tight is feeling uncomfortable. My jeans, tailored tops, really anything with a waist. Do you have some steps for transitioning back into shape revealing clothes? Or perhaps it’s time to embrace this phase and make it my own?
Have you ever felt the need to dress more "adult"? Like, what is dressing like an adult and should I be doing it? I don't know if it's the pieces I choose or if it's because I'm 32 and I look like 18 (not complaining), and I will never look "mature" despite the outfit? But, for exemple, if I want to use jeans and a white tshirt, how to look more like a 32 year old woman in jeans and tshirt and less like a teen?
YES! Formulas, please expound on all the formulas, Leandra! I have a pretty banging wardrobe full of basics and the odd statement piece, and I live in a climate with pretty cruisy weather all around (Queensland, Australia). I don't get as guided by the seasons in the WTW stakes (one jumper will do for winter here, mostly). I'd love your ideas on how to build outfits that are varied and head-turning cool (ie. how to not get into a rut, and how to spice it up when it starts to feel like I'm boring my local barista every time I place an order with the same top on). xx
Second of all, I am aiming to pair back and have a capsule wardrobe. I work a stuffy finance job but love Doen/ The Kooples/ Marant/ Acne/ etc on my days off. What key staples do you suggest to streamline and perfect my closet?
What to wear outside to dinner/the pub when you're eager to get into ~*spring/summer mode*~ and sick of all your winter clothes? In other words, how do I look cute and feel fresh without freezing my tits off?
I haven't worn jeans in decades but now my body wants some. What are your best, easy, comfy, blue jeans recs? Straight leg or skinny, I'm not staying current with gen z
Hi Leandra! I've been grappling with how to avoid getting sucked into the trend cycle. It's not that I don't love tracking new styles and being with the moment, but I find myself buying new clothes way too often and then becoming disinterested in them after the fads have passed. Do you have any wisdom on how to go about shopping with the intention of timelessness? Thank you!
What do you think of ankle boots in summer? And how to style?
What is your absolute ultimate white T-shirt? More opaque than translucent...
I second the question about which shoes to wear with wide-leg pants!! high-top converse? sandals? plain sneakers?
LASTLY, how to look dressy but in a very CHILL way, as in 'i didn't try too hard' lolol I know u kind of mentioned the other meaning of dressy but chill in one of your dispatches..
How do you layer jewelry? I'm obsessed with the look of chunky, over-done, and over-the-top layers upon layers of treasures, but I always wimp out at the last minute and take everything off with the exception of my studs and camp anklets. I fear I've done it all wrong and look more stupid and phony than "fashionable" or genuine. You seem to nail it every time and—lsdjfdf;akdgjkfgj (keyboard smash)—how??!
How do I incorporate more sustainable fashion into my wardrobe without breaking the bank? I really want to be eco-conscious but can't bring myself to spend $$$hundreds on a t shirt
Curvy girls want to know what to do about jeans; especially with the surging so-long for skinny jeans -- while heinous, they were our last hope at showing off delicate body parts, like ankles!
I live with the clothes I brought in my large Tumi to Belgrade 2 years ago. Leandra, what if you had to live out of one large suitcase forever??? How would you stay inspired???? (help)
Leandra thank you for your post on dresses, I liked it and you looked amazing also with the RV shoes (I liked the "unseen child" part too, very accurate).
tried several dresses on last week, but still I just feel inappropriate, they are still so one-and-done, so well made to be entirely alone, but still so empty? so uncomplete?
absolutely resonate with this comment of yours: I’m usually more inspired by the way things are paired than I am by the actual items.!!!!! So true and this just helped me so much!
What do I wear to the playground? Like, if I’m going to be sitting in the sandbox and want to be comfortable enough to play but also want to retain identity as myself and not just a sandbox chaperone. Chic playground wear!
Hello :) I've been searching for a white blouse (sort of similar to what you posted above) to pair with entireworld's boxer shorts. Do you have any less-pricey recommendations? Think sub-$60 as I don't have a hUGE budget.
A CHANEL jacket. You’re one of the few women that can wear one without looking stiff. Which piece did you first invest in? How do you style it and do you buy them secondhand? I’m fantasizing about investing in one but need advice!
What is a staple pair of pants to own that isn't denim but adds some spice to every outfit I wear? I love the Saks Potts pant look, but I feel like that may be too niche??? I want a bold but versatile item
What to wear for wedding celebrations if you are the artsy creative-type bride who loves looking "different"--in a GOOD way? (thanks Leandra this column is amazing!!) <3
How to approach leaving university and dressing for the new phase of 'grown-up' life whilst also dressing in a way that says 'im cool with the fact I don't know what on earth I'm doing but I promise I do, like, think about stuff'
Hi! how do I achieve that perfect fashion tension - i'm less stylistically valiant than you so I would say balance - while ;
wearing knee high boots, which I absolutely love and look really good with short dresses/skirts but feel waaay too femininely slick that way, or with pants on the slimmer side of pants (I say pants but I mean jeans) which is a combo I can't manage to make look good ?
PS : boots in question are flat (not too flat but not too chunky), a deep reddish brown suede, and follow quite closely the shape of the ankle and calve (which looks harmonious and gives them that 70s flair but I feel is precisely why they cannot look good with pants) I should disclose for honesty purposes that I am NOT ready to disavow The Boots and say it may be their own aesthetic fault they cannot be worn. I would rather turn on all of my other clothes ! And this is why I seek - nay, need!- your help, dear Leandra.
Here's your number one reader from Portugal asking why the hell do I have so many clothes on my wardrobe and find myself wearing always the same?! Is it just me? Maybe having 2 baby girls and being always on a rush doens't help 😅
Hi Leandra (and everyone!!!). I have been thinking about this a lot and would love to have your take: what do you wear when you feel sad or just down? Happy and colorful clothes to uplift you mood? Or ~sad~ clothes?
Hi Leandra! Could you share some tips on how to layer necklaces or jewelry in general? I love all your joyful and unexpected combinations.
I’m currently seeking timeless and long lasting pieces but there aren’t too serious you know? If you could suggest some brands it would be much appreciated.
Just searched today on how to style an oversized buttondown. And by this I'm talking about those very oversized, can wear by the beach over your bikini type shirt. But since I'm not going to any beaches any time soon, how should I wear them day-to-day?
Since I have been home in athleisure wear for over a year, I find it hard to find the motivation to wear anything nice or even semi-nice - like a casual dress or skirt - how do you find that again?
Where do I start, after a year of quarantine and more, that left me not looking or feeling like myself, and sized out of many of my favorites? I miss getting dressed and feeling good and need some inspiration.
I never know how to define my style. I feel like it changes from day to day, but that makes it difficult sometimes when I’m shopping. Do you feel a pressure to define yours? How do you define it?
Hi Leandra! Thank you so much for doing this - I love it and have just plucked up the courage to comment. My current problem is around dressing for work when a) I'm working from home and can only be seen from the shoulders up on video calls; b) I have crushing imposter syndrome and want to look polished and competent but not weirdly office-y, and also it's in the culture sector so have to find the balance of creative/professional; c) the imposter syndrome just gets WORSE when I try to look smart because I've only seen myself in leggings and t-shirts for the last year. A really great necklace and/or a top with an interesting neckline seems an obvious solution but would love love love to hear your take on any less obvious solutions. Thank you!!
What do I wear when I want to look professional at work, but also super comfy (because I spend all day sitting on a chair)??
A summer uniform for the uninspired urbanite who walks everywhere!
When I go back to work I want to create a uniform - like sub-5 outfit formulas in constant rotation. I’m in finance - so need professional but not boring. Where to start?!
I cannot for the life of me figure out what shoes to wear with wide leg pants. I’ve googled, trawled Pinterest, people-watched and stalked every stylish person on Instagram but I’m still lost! I have a simple black twill pair, quite soft, high waist, full length. Sneakers, sock boots, healed boots, strappy sandals, loafers, chunky sandals/slides and kitten heels all feel so wrong. Do I just give up? Or is there something I’m missing? Thank you in advance for your advice ❤️
Any, ANY, ideas on summer/hot weather casual outfit ideas that are not just loose and flowy sundresses. Particularly need help with tops.
Leandra! Hello! I’m in desperate need of a versatile, cool-girl pair of shorts. Please share your wisdom!
Tips for finding second hand items on sites like realreal, etsy, depop? I tend to get lost in all the options but am trying to buy more second hand items.
I’m turning into my mother, it’s the phase where she stopped wearing anything fitted. The pandemic has helped this transition along and anything tight is feeling uncomfortable. My jeans, tailored tops, really anything with a waist. Do you have some steps for transitioning back into shape revealing clothes? Or perhaps it’s time to embrace this phase and make it my own?
Best budget-friendly but good quality brands (clothing, shoes, accessories) please?!?
Hi, Leandra!
Do you have any socks-with-sandals wisdom to share?
Have you ever felt the need to dress more "adult"? Like, what is dressing like an adult and should I be doing it? I don't know if it's the pieces I choose or if it's because I'm 32 and I look like 18 (not complaining), and I will never look "mature" despite the outfit? But, for exemple, if I want to use jeans and a white tshirt, how to look more like a 32 year old woman in jeans and tshirt and less like a teen?
What do I wear when I am moving to the same area as my ex and it’s likely I’ll run into him
YES! Formulas, please expound on all the formulas, Leandra! I have a pretty banging wardrobe full of basics and the odd statement piece, and I live in a climate with pretty cruisy weather all around (Queensland, Australia). I don't get as guided by the seasons in the WTW stakes (one jumper will do for winter here, mostly). I'd love your ideas on how to build outfits that are varied and head-turning cool (ie. how to not get into a rut, and how to spice it up when it starts to feel like I'm boring my local barista every time I place an order with the same top on). xx
Capsule wardrobe tips. How to start building it and also I need a trench coat lol
Would love an essential jewelry round up 👀
Hi first of all Leandra I love you.
Second of all, I am aiming to pair back and have a capsule wardrobe. I work a stuffy finance job but love Doen/ The Kooples/ Marant/ Acne/ etc on my days off. What key staples do you suggest to streamline and perfect my closet?
What to wear outside to dinner/the pub when you're eager to get into ~*spring/summer mode*~ and sick of all your winter clothes? In other words, how do I look cute and feel fresh without freezing my tits off?
I haven't worn jeans in decades but now my body wants some. What are your best, easy, comfy, blue jeans recs? Straight leg or skinny, I'm not staying current with gen z
What can I wear if I want to cheer myself up but I'm literally spending 100% of time in my bedroom (my workstation is there)?
What do I wear when I want to get married at the courthouse and wear a fun/cool dress instead of a white dress or a wedding dress? Help!
Where can I find cute fisherman sandals like yours?
What to wear when you are petite? Like maxi dresses, dont know is it for me and if yes, how should i wear it?
What do I wear if I am still breastfeeding and want to look casual yet chic and elegant?
What Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration???
Hi Leandra! I've been grappling with how to avoid getting sucked into the trend cycle. It's not that I don't love tracking new styles and being with the moment, but I find myself buying new clothes way too often and then becoming disinterested in them after the fads have passed. Do you have any wisdom on how to go about shopping with the intention of timelessness? Thank you!
Hi!! Couple of things:
What do you think of ankle boots in summer? And how to style?
What is your absolute ultimate white T-shirt? More opaque than translucent...
I second the question about which shoes to wear with wide-leg pants!! high-top converse? sandals? plain sneakers?
LASTLY, how to look dressy but in a very CHILL way, as in 'i didn't try too hard' lolol I know u kind of mentioned the other meaning of dressy but chill in one of your dispatches..
Thank you Leandra!!
How do you layer jewelry? I'm obsessed with the look of chunky, over-done, and over-the-top layers upon layers of treasures, but I always wimp out at the last minute and take everything off with the exception of my studs and camp anklets. I fear I've done it all wrong and look more stupid and phony than "fashionable" or genuine. You seem to nail it every time and—lsdjfdf;akdgjkfgj (keyboard smash)—how??!
How do I incorporate more sustainable fashion into my wardrobe without breaking the bank? I really want to be eco-conscious but can't bring myself to spend $$$hundreds on a t shirt
Curvy girls want to know what to do about jeans; especially with the surging so-long for skinny jeans -- while heinous, they were our last hope at showing off delicate body parts, like ankles!
I live with the clothes I brought in my large Tumi to Belgrade 2 years ago. Leandra, what if you had to live out of one large suitcase forever??? How would you stay inspired???? (help)
Leandra thank you for your post on dresses, I liked it and you looked amazing also with the RV shoes (I liked the "unseen child" part too, very accurate).
tried several dresses on last week, but still I just feel inappropriate, they are still so one-and-done, so well made to be entirely alone, but still so empty? so uncomplete?
Which wardrobe essentials to buy to resolve once and for all the need to buy essentials?
absolutely resonate with this comment of yours: I’m usually more inspired by the way things are paired than I am by the actual items.!!!!! So true and this just helped me so much!
What do I wear to the playground? Like, if I’m going to be sitting in the sandbox and want to be comfortable enough to play but also want to retain identity as myself and not just a sandbox chaperone. Chic playground wear!
Hello :) I've been searching for a white blouse (sort of similar to what you posted above) to pair with entireworld's boxer shorts. Do you have any less-pricey recommendations? Think sub-$60 as I don't have a hUGE budget.
A CHANEL jacket. You’re one of the few women that can wear one without looking stiff. Which piece did you first invest in? How do you style it and do you buy them secondhand? I’m fantasizing about investing in one but need advice!
What is a staple pair of pants to own that isn't denim but adds some spice to every outfit I wear? I love the Saks Potts pant look, but I feel like that may be too niche??? I want a bold but versatile item
What to wear for wedding celebrations if you are the artsy creative-type bride who loves looking "different"--in a GOOD way? (thanks Leandra this column is amazing!!) <3
How to approach leaving university and dressing for the new phase of 'grown-up' life whilst also dressing in a way that says 'im cool with the fact I don't know what on earth I'm doing but I promise I do, like, think about stuff'
Hi! how do I achieve that perfect fashion tension - i'm less stylistically valiant than you so I would say balance - while ;
wearing knee high boots, which I absolutely love and look really good with short dresses/skirts but feel waaay too femininely slick that way, or with pants on the slimmer side of pants (I say pants but I mean jeans) which is a combo I can't manage to make look good ?
PS : boots in question are flat (not too flat but not too chunky), a deep reddish brown suede, and follow quite closely the shape of the ankle and calve (which looks harmonious and gives them that 70s flair but I feel is precisely why they cannot look good with pants) I should disclose for honesty purposes that I am NOT ready to disavow The Boots and say it may be their own aesthetic fault they cannot be worn. I would rather turn on all of my other clothes ! And this is why I seek - nay, need!- your help, dear Leandra.
Can you tell Gen Z the early 00s fashion is not coming back? Even ironically. No one has the bandwidth for that atrocity.
Pov: You roll out of bed early in the morning to go get a coffee. What do you put on? Thanks sis!!
Hi Leandra!
Here's your number one reader from Portugal asking why the hell do I have so many clothes on my wardrobe and find myself wearing always the same?! Is it just me? Maybe having 2 baby girls and being always on a rush doens't help 😅
Any tips?
(Sorry for some eventual grammar mistakes)
Hi Leandra (and everyone!!!). I have been thinking about this a lot and would love to have your take: what do you wear when you feel sad or just down? Happy and colorful clothes to uplift you mood? Or ~sad~ clothes?
Hi Leandra! Could you share some tips on how to layer necklaces or jewelry in general? I love all your joyful and unexpected combinations.
I’m currently seeking timeless and long lasting pieces but there aren’t too serious you know? If you could suggest some brands it would be much appreciated.
Thank you 💌
Just searched today on how to style an oversized buttondown. And by this I'm talking about those very oversized, can wear by the beach over your bikini type shirt. But since I'm not going to any beaches any time soon, how should I wear them day-to-day?
Since I have been home in athleisure wear for over a year, I find it hard to find the motivation to wear anything nice or even semi-nice - like a casual dress or skirt - how do you find that again?
Where do I start, after a year of quarantine and more, that left me not looking or feeling like myself, and sized out of many of my favorites? I miss getting dressed and feeling good and need some inspiration.
I never know how to define my style. I feel like it changes from day to day, but that makes it difficult sometimes when I’m shopping. Do you feel a pressure to define yours? How do you define it?
Hi Leandra! Thank you so much for doing this - I love it and have just plucked up the courage to comment. My current problem is around dressing for work when a) I'm working from home and can only be seen from the shoulders up on video calls; b) I have crushing imposter syndrome and want to look polished and competent but not weirdly office-y, and also it's in the culture sector so have to find the balance of creative/professional; c) the imposter syndrome just gets WORSE when I try to look smart because I've only seen myself in leggings and t-shirts for the last year. A really great necklace and/or a top with an interesting neckline seems an obvious solution but would love love love to hear your take on any less obvious solutions. Thank you!!