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?
i love but get annoyed with linen pants for this reason too, lately have found that when i can find blends that include more rigid cotton, they're less delicate and the wrinkles look pretty good
any occupational disclaimers? proclivities for your own sense of style? pretty sure I am looking at
one part bermuda shorts -- black, navy or ivory
one part short sleeve crew neck t-shirt -- boxy, never tucked in, cropped enough to look intentionally untucked, long enough to cover the waist line of the trousers; lightweight enough to weather the heat. Kule has good solids: https://rstyle.me/+O17TjyMYrmYR9G-wAgPAiQ
Oooooh I love it - thanks! I’m teleworking 50% of the time right now, so I’m 50% wear whatever the f I want and 50% can absolutely not wear whatever the f I want. My style is something I’m still figuring out! Right now I’m pretty much only wearing a beige By Any Other Name a-line skirt. Any recs for summer shoes?
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?!
anyway, that might not actually be the formula for you -- but what is your typical style for work? once the hero formula is laid out, we can basically make all the other ones. Toteme dropped new looks today and i can't unsee this formula:
Laura and Madeline absolutely need the suede jacket. I might lean more toward the toteme formula which I LUV— we are on the right track. I’m thinking a few monochrome pants/sweater combos like this, with good jewelry. And then what do we think of a shift dress or jumper situation, very layerable with button ups under for summer and turtlenecks/tights for winter?
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 ❤️
so much good help from julie n/a and emma! i think it's really about the toe of the shoe though -- that combines with the sole. are you mostly trying on round toe footwear with this stuff? i tend to find that an almond-shaped toe on a refined sole works best with a wide leg pant that is long enough to slouch, but short enough to wear with flats. this is a good shape ref! https://rstyle.me/+f5VMtSb3SkmRxG4VEWT3bA
or you know what else, the square toe flats mansur gavriel just launched are so good too. do you like a refined ballet shoe? have you tried any?
I like a flatform (sneaker, espadrille, sandal) or with a wide leg pant – I'm petite (with tiny feet) so I always feel like a small pointy shoe gets lost under the volume.
either surf style shorts, like legit quicksilver mens board shorts OR patagonia baggie style shorts with like, a tank ~blouse~ (tank top searches will usually take you to body huggers, but i think the contrast of casual mens short is really nice against a flowy top, a la: https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/tops/marni-printed-square-neckline-top-9qpf0?position=61) -- i'd search consignment sites for marni, armani, marc jacobs -- the mid 2000's were peak "tank blouse" time
i need to know more about you!!! what's your style like? how far out of ~the comfort zone~ are you willing to travel? i'm gravitating towards bermuda shorts a lot lately, but would not go so far as to call them cool. i want to tell you to try a pair of surf shorts -- like board shorts that hang on your hips, to wear with a open hem blouse. one time i found a cool sequined pair on the real real (was searching knee length shorts). LIKE THESE! https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/shorts/dries-van-noten-striped-knee-length-shorts-9l847?position=94
they're really cool with kitten heel flip flops. are you vomitting right now?
Hello!! I am but a mere fashion toe dipper (I dip my big toe in the swimming pool to test the temperature before diving in). These are speaking a language I have yet to be fluent in!!! Do you have more reccos in line with linen or denim that can be worn with a many different tops? I tend to have a few staple shorts during warmer months that I base all my outfits around, so a more neutral backdrop is *key* to tops I tend to jump into.
White denim, on the longer side, you can always roll them up, dress them up, create many silhouettes, make belts shine, etc. If you prefer blue then get cool cut, eg tie-belt/ paperbag style, or high waist, tailored, etc. Linen: short, wide horizontal stripes, classic navy cream, will match and elevate anything. For extra pizzas add some nautical gold buttons. If that's too much/ hard to track down, these will do the job: https://www.armani.com/th/armanicom/emporio-armani/wide-stripe-shorts_cod13155600ou.html
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.
tell me more about the budget though! there are the entireworlds of the...world, which are mostly basic. you know what? i think a good place to find good brands is through a specialty store -- examples includ the frankie shop or pixie market or lisa says gah -- lisa says gah tends to get a bit more expensive, but using specialty stores are a great resource to help you learn more about which brands you gravitate towards. IG is a pretty solid resource for this too, actually.
thank you! And I guess budget would be $150 and under (preferably closer to between $50-$100)?? Yeah I definitely like specialty shops, especially because I tend to want more unique items... but what are some of your fav brands (if any) within those ranges?
yes, got to think about this a little more and compile the brands i come across on social media, but there are so many wonderful young international brands that are bubbling up on there. the ones i can this of off top of head: ciao lucia, me pretties, folkloore, walk of shame
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?
well, let's first discuss whether or not you feel good in the shapelessness. sounds like tight clothes are provoking a sense of discomfort, so i'd go with that and not force yourself into a style of dress that might just not be speaking to you right now. how about baby steps to make you feel more like yourself and not your mother? n/a has some good tips! how about wearing a belt around your waist with a really big t-shirt and whatever big pants (or shorts!) you're wearing, and if you're going to dinner, add a short heel -- why not! my favorite real real search is for vintage prada slingbacks and manolo blahnik mules. in my head im picturing you wearing nike basketball shorts, a grey t-shirt that is somewhat stained but not *too* stained, with a delicate leather belt wrapped around your waist, strand of pearls or metal chain around neck, said dainty heels and just like, the tiniest most impractical bag you can find.
There's tight and there's tight. I've found that one tight fitting item (eg, skinny jeans) can be comfortable if well chosen and a great counterpoint to flowy items. Flowy top, figure revealing jacket. A dress that's half and half. Crop top over flowy vest, etc.
my preference for the combo is a chunkier style, like birkenstocks, paired with a fine ribbed knit that hits just about the top of your shin and then matched with either a mini skirt or mini shorts. if you're wearing longer shorts, you want the socks to be like, an inch or two shorter, and for the shoes to be a bit daintier. a slingback sandal is nice for this. or a low kitten heel. i;'ve been visiting these with relative frequency as of late! https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/sandals/gucci-leather-bow-accents-slingback-sandals-w-tags-9kd4n?position=51
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?
yeah this comes up for me all the time! although ive never really thought of it as adult -- more like, "should i be dressing in such a way that i will be taken more seriously?" or look less sloppy. but usually i come around to realizing that when im feeling like that im also usually in environments where i'm not super comfortable as myself, and the desire to look different isn't coming from a place of genuine yearning a bit more from a place to like, synchronize with the environment, which more and more i reject lately.
with jeans and a t-shirt: what kinds of jeans, what kinds of t-shirts? i think a plain black t-shirt, polished and all, with some strand of beads or pearls or whatever around your neck and straight leg jeans, like these from toteme (style reference, doesn't have to be this exact pair!) is pretty polished and sleek. https://rstyle.me/+-grMkl35kfZP5tmO5OlfcA
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
no, but seriously, just wear what makes you feel most comfortable, locked into yourself and solid. the best you can do when placing yourself in an environment with a high potential to make you uncomfortable is mitigate all the inevitable uncertainities by locking into what you can do to feel sure. which of your clothes bring out the best in you for you?
This genuinely happened to me two weeks ago but he was half running/ half jogging and has aged terribly so it was actually v satisfying even though I was not looking my best! So maybe telling yourself a story about how terrible they look could do the trick in a pinch
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 love playing the is it winter is it summer game. lately my move is dramatic turtleneck with basically underwear though technically they're shorts and closed toe shoes. another flex: your favorite jeans, which ALWAYS look better with sandals, a fitted sweater and some kind of chain around your neck. !!!also: t-shirt, good jacket, sweat pants and sandals ... the thing is: there is no way around your tits freezing off unless you keep them concealed. in the end our legs don't give a fuck about weather
ok, i just gave this a bit more thought and you know what? layers are key. like right now, for example, i'm wearing knee-length denim shorts, grey socks, a wool tank top under a white-shirt, under a red sweater with like 100 gold chain bracelets on my wrist and one around my neck too. if i were going out,i think i would just take off the socksand put on a pairof inconvenient heels. if i knew i had to walk, i'd keep the socks on and put on kitten heels -- maybe change the sweater to something slightly thicker.
this keeps coming up too!!! im going to turn into a full dispatch OR a guide on IG. either way, will let you know when it's up by newsletter. for now: super into hola amor estudios, ragbag, otiumberg, mejuri, dorkas and brua jewelry.
Thank you!!! Would also love to see your thinking around investment pieces- what kind of pieces to splurge and save on? Look forward to seeing the post! 🙏🏼
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?
-Nightgown style dress a la doen. i would recommend white -- can wear with black under garments and heels for RISKAY night on the town, or with bathing suit, jean jacket/blazer/robe whatever over for everything else
-good grey t-shirt. i think white is overrated for tees! heather grey is much more interesting. makes a good contrast with a metal chain necklace or peals; is less expected jeans or trousers, somehow feels less formal but for reasons that a dress code enforcer can't quite understand still seem "by the rules" for a business casual work environment
-jeans that make you feel like no one else is in the room. but only you know what constitues this big! energy! (my current favs are citizens of humanity's libby silhouette and moussy's odessa)
-a jacket that is somewhere between a blazer and a jean jacket. i think this might mean like a suede fringe number. or, no, it probably means a leather jacket. although i'm reticent to recommend one CURRENTLY. i think we're about 4 years away from motorcycle jackets really coming back. it's gonna happen tho! will also be v good with frilly shorts.
-linen collarless button down short. you can wear in winter w t-neck under too!
other categories to consider: shorts, skirts, SHOES
N/A is really coming in hot! feel like i should hire whoever they are for feedback support!? but when i was working 8-10 last spring/summer from home, jewelry helped a lot! i'd like, SINK INTO the stay at home looks -- cotton briefs, yummy t-shirts, big soft sweaters and then go fucking ham on my fingers and wrists. do you have jewelry that genuinely brings you joy when you look down at it -- like do you ever have that feeling when you're typing and see your hands moving so quickly and you're like, "what are you guys even doing? like what are WE doing?" it's more fun when there are rings to be like: LETS DIGRESS
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
how about a silk bra and matching skirt? with a trench coat or like, leather blazer over?
like am i losing every ounce of credibility ive earned in your eyes by suggesting you wear a quasi ill fit sequined bikini to the courthouse https://wosbrand.co/sequins-bra
Ok credibility is at a all time high with the I’ll fitting bra - especially as I was planning on maybe wearing this Uma Wang green velvet dress top thing that ties at one small point on the back but is otherwise completely open (ignore the matching pants underneath obviously). https://images.app.goo.gl/k18o9ZeyhznvMUbM7
I'd wear a shiny/ colourful vintage dress with a cool leather jacket, or a skirt bigger than life with a crop top/ knotted crisp shirt🤞 Also, congratulations!
Seconding this--I would love a gold pair. Should I order directly from K. Jacques website? I see that they do custom orders--did you customize to get your silver pair? Thank you!
yes! i did customize the silver pair. the style of the other pair i have is called aiden, and actually i prefer it! the k jacques sandals hold up pretty well, like actually become BETTER aftwer you wear them so i feel pretty confident recommending them.
do you *want* to wear maxi dresses? maybe instead we might consider something tea length (hits just above the ankle) -- tank style, potentially fitted on top and then flows out towards bottom, with a teeny tiny heel to wink a nod at your ankle and take a strut down that block thinking and saying HELLO WORLD I HAVE ARRIVED ARE YOU HERE
big button down shirts -- mens polo polos were my shit, and i paired them with leggings, but like, kind of loose fit leggings? super into these from skall studio.
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!
are you shopping a lot to fill a gap? i realized a little while ago that when i shop because i'm bored, or because i'm in a state of malaise or insecurity and want to come out of it, i tend to make decisions that are less plugged into what i'm actually looking for. think about some of the pieces you have that you really like, when have you gotten those? can you map any of them back to the state of mind you were in when you bought them -- who you were with, what was going onin your life?
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
why dont we start with what's already in your wardrobe! how much of what you currently own do you actually wear/love/feel excited to put on? is there a common theme or thread among those garments?
Hey! Have you considered resale shops/sites? Websites like TheRealReal offer an option to only see items that still have tags attached (i.e. never worn) which I found really helpful when I was first starting to buy second hand.
Yes! Most of my wardrobe consists of consignment and vintage pieces already. But I want to branch out and find some cool brands that are working eco-consciously.
Then yes, I am in a similar situation to yours and have lost faith in finding these brands -- at the current state of the fashion/industrial system at least! xx
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)
oh sometimes i fantasize about living out of a carry on just for the hell of it. like what would i put in it and how would i keep it INTERESTING. i think i have a good sense of the basics i'd take -- tried and true jeans, shorts, button down, tee .. one sweater a jacket and then just really over index on shoes/jewelry/sunglasses?
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?
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..
woops sent too soon i tend to shy away from boots in the summer -- my preference across the board is an open toe shoe and actually low key feel that winter shoes ruin outfits more generally so! not sure how i'd wear ankle boots in the summer except i did go through a phase in 2016 of wearing this one pair of flat black booties that reached about two inches above my ankle with a plain white cotton sleeveless mini shift dress. made me feel like a gallerist or something. so that was that!
as far as best white t-shirt, i like the kule ones alot
although some times i want one that is a bit less precious, which is usually when i gravitate towards a plain white hanes shirt. they wash well to theextent that they wear out really fast, and i like that contrast with trousers or khakis or a pair of tailored shorts. https://www.hanes.com/xp90.html
white button down blouse, black turtleneck sweater (layerable), high waist mid-wash blue jeans but the rest really depends on U. like i wanna say charcoal grey swing coat with peter pan collar, but who knows if that is crazy depending on WHO LILIANA REALLY IS
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!
oh this is my fucking life. i did this funny thing a few weeks ago where i wore a white tea length dress w a black jacket over it. don;t do that. jeans are best, no q. my vibe rn is grey tank top or t-shirt, jeans and jean jacket + backless flat shoes OR my v fan fisherman sandals. easy off!
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!
hi! yes i get them all second hand. i have a pretty strict must-wear-with-sweatpants policy although sweatpants are really an umbrella term for like, any bottoms that aren't formal. in the summer they're much easier with jeans or jean shorts because you can just wear sandals but in the winter, it's too literal or obvious when paired with jeans and like, boots or whatever. also fun: pairing with printed frilly shirts, styled over a nightgown -- really fun with knee cap leggings, track shorts, mens swim trunks too. the whole trick with these jackets (and i think the reason i love them so much) is to pair them with the most far out or least expected garments that would occur to you. sometimes, that even means a tweed mini skirt
Love the descriptive pairings. I was envisaging each look! Thanks for the reply, I’ve been reading your work for years. It is so nice to have you back online and engaging with MR fashion Q’s. ❤️
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.
they sound pretty sleek. i wonder if you want to pair them with sheer tights, black high waist shorts, a grey t-shirt and jean jacket? or navy blue crew neck sweater/sweatshirt. nice for cooler weather. when warmed, how about denim cut offs and a light blue cotton button down?
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 😅
sounds like you and i are in the same boat and we are needing to whittle down the fantasies of our wardrobes to accommodate a more practical lifestyle?
would encourage you to make a list of all the things you do on a regular basis and try to map those to what kinds of clothes you either do, or want to wear for those occasions and then CONFRONT THE CLOSET with that information in hand and be !relentless! about getting rid of shit.
but definitely keep a few inches of closet space for the fantasy clothes because we all need them to escape now and again.
I second this as well! I don't have children to explain my style complacency/anxiety haha, but I also find myself resorting to all the usual standbys despite being a complete hoarder.
Related: how to stop being a clothing hoarder and only invest in classic, timeless pieces?
Pack 99% of your wardrobe away in boxes, ideally out of sight. Wear the classic pieces you have, find your way with them, learn what you like, what makes it tick for you, what's missing. Pretend you're traveling with a small suitcase... and big style. If you forget about the other clothes in a few months, you can sell/ donate/ etc.
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?
totally depends on how down i am! like, when i'm despondent its usually exercise clothes thati dont have to think about, but when im sad and feel enough strength to lift myself out, mostly i use that opportunity to turn! a! frown! upside down. like, actually it works -- and often i have said that a good outfit -- like, solving the equation of feeling really cool in your clothes, can be the difference between a good day and a bad day and thatis what makes it so hard for me to ever antagonize fashion/accuse it of being frivolous.
...this didnt actually answer the question, but "what do i wear when i feel kind of blue but have enough energy to pull myself out of it" is a good prompt for one fo the next dressing dispatches?
in way it did answer. thanks! aaaaand it would be a very good dressing dispatch! sometimes i also feel the energy to pull myself out of sadness through clothes. and even when i don’t, i always wonder and check: do I care enough to try?
would not take fashion for frivolous either, for me it is a very natural form of self expression. the way I feel with wearing some clothes can bring me confidence in a minute. and sometimes finding that the comfort and assurance the lewk brings was already within me it’s the absolute best!! it can be just a vehicle for good stuff
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?
hi! how do you feel more generally? no need to force yourself into getting dressed if you're just not feeling it and able to derive joy from other places that are actually more satisfying. but if you're looking for it, i think a good place to start is in the last outfit that truly made you feel like a million bucks -- what was it? if it doesn't make sense to wear now, what was it about the look? how can you take those principles to otherwise categories in your closet?
I wore my favourite boots (dusky pink leather) all day yesterday, including during post-work gardening (!). I've been wearing dresses I never got round to before and loving it. Ie, I skipped semi-nice for full blown. I found it easier to be overdressed 😂 And so much fun.
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’ve been keeping it simple: some favorite spring/summer dresses, wide leg cropped “nice” sweats, a variety of white button downs, tees, skirts, and added some excellent new accessories, which always fit. This forced me to find myself again after 2020, which is kinda nice. Working on getting back into all of my clothes 🙂
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?
i used to feel a pressure to define it -- i think that was before i really knew what my style was but now my sense is more like: this is so low stakes and low risk. if i look like an idiot, or dont feel lkike myself, or realize i dont like this, ill just wear something different tomorrow. i guess i define it as polished englishman x collarless chanel jacket.
honestly defining your style is futile. seems to crystallize what you do and dont like in a way that doesnt offer enough space for you to explore where your fashion interests take you. they change, they're fluid. they're like us!
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!!
hi! do you like button downs? polo makes some great ones for men, which are prices under $100 -- my preference is their denim, which might be too casual for you, but there are great black, navy, white and light blue options. you might want to start there! they also just look real cute tucked out and and such with knee cap leggings and open arch/backless sandals. then, yeah! jewlery! although not what you might imagine -- dainty gold chains around your neck, perhaps one strand of semi precious beads. i recently encountered a couple of exciting new jewlery designers for every day stuff.
https://www.instagram.com/juliaaeran/ - price range totally varies, i'm super into the fire opals (i got a strand) and want to make a set of chrysophase (that deep aquatic green color) next. would look good, me thinks with like, a pink button down!
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)??
Please help with this one! Extra points for “ifs humid and awful outside but an ice box inside”
I always carry a jacket, also helps with chillier mornings/ evenings
think i have to turn this one into a full dispatch! but the gist is: crew neck t-shirt, probably heather grey, with straight leg trousers (like TROUSER trousers) and a sweater wrapped around your shoulders to keep u warm in air conditioning THEN: open toe shoes, cage sandals -- some sort of flat footwear with wood sole to contrast the TROUSER trousers and be comfortable enough to run away from work should you need to. also! a gold chain for around your neck? so into this vibe rn: https://www.etsy.com/listing/916970853/dainty-gold-figaro-chain-18k-gold-plated?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gold+chain&ref=sr_gallery-1-6&organic_search_click=1&bes=1
I've lately become a fan of linen trousers, also in the depth of winter (with warm tights under).
but how to live into them avoiding all the wrinkles?
i love but get annoyed with linen pants for this reason too, lately have found that when i can find blends that include more rigid cotton, they're less delicate and the wrinkles look pretty good
Own/ Ignore the wrinkles? There are blends that have less issues, generally cotton linen.
A summer uniform for the uninspired urbanite who walks everywhere!
any occupational disclaimers? proclivities for your own sense of style? pretty sure I am looking at
one part bermuda shorts -- black, navy or ivory
one part short sleeve crew neck t-shirt -- boxy, never tucked in, cropped enough to look intentionally untucked, long enough to cover the waist line of the trousers; lightweight enough to weather the heat. Kule has good solids: https://rstyle.me/+O17TjyMYrmYR9G-wAgPAiQ
Oooooh I love it - thanks! I’m teleworking 50% of the time right now, so I’m 50% wear whatever the f I want and 50% can absolutely not wear whatever the f I want. My style is something I’m still figuring out! Right now I’m pretty much only wearing a beige By Any Other Name a-line skirt. Any recs for summer shoes?
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?!
do you like pencil skirts? would you wear them with cropped cardigans and slingback kitten heels but then be like FUCK ALL OF YOU with a suede fringe jacket a la: https://www.etsy.com/listing/561775198/festival-jacket-for-men-smallmedium-men?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=suede+fringe+jacket&ref=sr_gallery-6-15&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
OH MY GOD THERE IS A KIDS ONE - https://www.etsy.com/listing/876971522/1970s-suede-fringe-childrens-jacket-by?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=suede+fringe+jacket&ref=sr_gallery-3-42&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
anyway, that might not actually be the formula for you -- but what is your typical style for work? once the hero formula is laid out, we can basically make all the other ones. Toteme dropped new looks today and i can't unsee this formula:
https://toteme-studio.com/products/business-blazer-grey-melange
OMFG the kids one is fucking awesome
Laura and Madeline absolutely need the suede jacket. I might lean more toward the toteme formula which I LUV— we are on the right track. I’m thinking a few monochrome pants/sweater combos like this, with good jewelry. And then what do we think of a shift dress or jumper situation, very layerable with button ups under for summer and turtlenecks/tights for winter?
Bumping this, especially when “business casual” is insanely vague!!
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 ❤️
so much good help from julie n/a and emma! i think it's really about the toe of the shoe though -- that combines with the sole. are you mostly trying on round toe footwear with this stuff? i tend to find that an almond-shaped toe on a refined sole works best with a wide leg pant that is long enough to slouch, but short enough to wear with flats. this is a good shape ref! https://rstyle.me/+f5VMtSb3SkmRxG4VEWT3bA
or you know what else, the square toe flats mansur gavriel just launched are so good too. do you like a refined ballet shoe? have you tried any?
I like a flatform (sneaker, espadrille, sandal) or with a wide leg pant – I'm petite (with tiny feet) so I always feel like a small pointy shoe gets lost under the volume.
I prefer almond and pointy toe shoes/ boots. Think Prada.
Second this one!
Any, ANY, ideas on summer/hot weather casual outfit ideas that are not just loose and flowy sundresses. Particularly need help with tops.
either surf style shorts, like legit quicksilver mens board shorts OR patagonia baggie style shorts with like, a tank ~blouse~ (tank top searches will usually take you to body huggers, but i think the contrast of casual mens short is really nice against a flowy top, a la: https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/tops/marni-printed-square-neckline-top-9qpf0?position=61) -- i'd search consignment sites for marni, armani, marc jacobs -- the mid 2000's were peak "tank blouse" time
Leandra! Hello! I’m in desperate need of a versatile, cool-girl pair of shorts. Please share your wisdom!
i need to know more about you!!! what's your style like? how far out of ~the comfort zone~ are you willing to travel? i'm gravitating towards bermuda shorts a lot lately, but would not go so far as to call them cool. i want to tell you to try a pair of surf shorts -- like board shorts that hang on your hips, to wear with a open hem blouse. one time i found a cool sequined pair on the real real (was searching knee length shorts). LIKE THESE! https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/shorts/dries-van-noten-striped-knee-length-shorts-9l847?position=94
they're really cool with kitten heel flip flops. are you vomitting right now?
honestly, w the right top, these so good too https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/shorts/nike-mini-shorts-9m7iu?position=30
Hello!! I am but a mere fashion toe dipper (I dip my big toe in the swimming pool to test the temperature before diving in). These are speaking a language I have yet to be fluent in!!! Do you have more reccos in line with linen or denim that can be worn with a many different tops? I tend to have a few staple shorts during warmer months that I base all my outfits around, so a more neutral backdrop is *key* to tops I tend to jump into.
White denim, on the longer side, you can always roll them up, dress them up, create many silhouettes, make belts shine, etc. If you prefer blue then get cool cut, eg tie-belt/ paperbag style, or high waist, tailored, etc. Linen: short, wide horizontal stripes, classic navy cream, will match and elevate anything. For extra pizzas add some nautical gold buttons. If that's too much/ hard to track down, these will do the job: https://www.armani.com/th/armanicom/emporio-armani/wide-stripe-shorts_cod13155600ou.html
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.
this is forthcoming as its own dispatch too!
👍👍👍👍👍
Hooray!! Looking forward to it - you seem to have such a knack for finding beautiful unique items.
Best budget-friendly but good quality brands (clothing, shoes, accessories) please?!?
tell me more about the budget though! there are the entireworlds of the...world, which are mostly basic. you know what? i think a good place to find good brands is through a specialty store -- examples includ the frankie shop or pixie market or lisa says gah -- lisa says gah tends to get a bit more expensive, but using specialty stores are a great resource to help you learn more about which brands you gravitate towards. IG is a pretty solid resource for this too, actually.
thank you! And I guess budget would be $150 and under (preferably closer to between $50-$100)?? Yeah I definitely like specialty shops, especially because I tend to want more unique items... but what are some of your fav brands (if any) within those ranges?
yes, got to think about this a little more and compile the brands i come across on social media, but there are so many wonderful young international brands that are bubbling up on there. the ones i can this of off top of head: ciao lucia, me pretties, folkloore, walk of shame
Amazing, thank got so much! If you ever think of more, please let me know!
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?
well, let's first discuss whether or not you feel good in the shapelessness. sounds like tight clothes are provoking a sense of discomfort, so i'd go with that and not force yourself into a style of dress that might just not be speaking to you right now. how about baby steps to make you feel more like yourself and not your mother? n/a has some good tips! how about wearing a belt around your waist with a really big t-shirt and whatever big pants (or shorts!) you're wearing, and if you're going to dinner, add a short heel -- why not! my favorite real real search is for vintage prada slingbacks and manolo blahnik mules. in my head im picturing you wearing nike basketball shorts, a grey t-shirt that is somewhat stained but not *too* stained, with a delicate leather belt wrapped around your waist, strand of pearls or metal chain around neck, said dainty heels and just like, the tiniest most impractical bag you can find.
find, wear a tote, bring flip flops!
There's tight and there's tight. I've found that one tight fitting item (eg, skinny jeans) can be comfortable if well chosen and a great counterpoint to flowy items. Flowy top, figure revealing jacket. A dress that's half and half. Crop top over flowy vest, etc.
Hi, Leandra!
Do you have any socks-with-sandals wisdom to share?
my preference for the combo is a chunkier style, like birkenstocks, paired with a fine ribbed knit that hits just about the top of your shin and then matched with either a mini skirt or mini shorts. if you're wearing longer shorts, you want the socks to be like, an inch or two shorter, and for the shoes to be a bit daintier. a slingback sandal is nice for this. or a low kitten heel. i;'ve been visiting these with relative frequency as of late! https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/sandals/gucci-leather-bow-accents-slingback-sandals-w-tags-9kd4n?position=51
yes please
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?
yeah this comes up for me all the time! although ive never really thought of it as adult -- more like, "should i be dressing in such a way that i will be taken more seriously?" or look less sloppy. but usually i come around to realizing that when im feeling like that im also usually in environments where i'm not super comfortable as myself, and the desire to look different isn't coming from a place of genuine yearning a bit more from a place to like, synchronize with the environment, which more and more i reject lately.
with jeans and a t-shirt: what kinds of jeans, what kinds of t-shirts? i think a plain black t-shirt, polished and all, with some strand of beads or pearls or whatever around your neck and straight leg jeans, like these from toteme (style reference, doesn't have to be this exact pair!) is pretty polished and sleek. https://rstyle.me/+-grMkl35kfZP5tmO5OlfcA
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
vintage trenches on consignment sites!!! cannot stress enough.
What do I wear when I am moving to the same area as my ex and it’s likely I’ll run into him
YOUR MOST FOOL PROOF HOT GIRL SUMMER OUTFIT
no, but seriously, just wear what makes you feel most comfortable, locked into yourself and solid. the best you can do when placing yourself in an environment with a high potential to make you uncomfortable is mitigate all the inevitable uncertainities by locking into what you can do to feel sure. which of your clothes bring out the best in you for you?
This genuinely happened to me two weeks ago but he was half running/ half jogging and has aged terribly so it was actually v satisfying even though I was not looking my best! So maybe telling yourself a story about how terrible they look could do the trick in a pinch
ha i second this fear!
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 love playing the is it winter is it summer game. lately my move is dramatic turtleneck with basically underwear though technically they're shorts and closed toe shoes. another flex: your favorite jeans, which ALWAYS look better with sandals, a fitted sweater and some kind of chain around your neck. !!!also: t-shirt, good jacket, sweat pants and sandals ... the thing is: there is no way around your tits freezing off unless you keep them concealed. in the end our legs don't give a fuck about weather
ok, i just gave this a bit more thought and you know what? layers are key. like right now, for example, i'm wearing knee-length denim shorts, grey socks, a wool tank top under a white-shirt, under a red sweater with like 100 gold chain bracelets on my wrist and one around my neck too. if i were going out,i think i would just take off the socksand put on a pairof inconvenient heels. if i knew i had to walk, i'd keep the socks on and put on kitten heels -- maybe change the sweater to something slightly thicker.
Love you. This is the best description. Spot on.
Invest in silk & cashmere, have a massive scarf and cute (eg, long) fingerless gloves, or layer scarves. The more they clash, the fresher 😅
Oh and maybe one super vibrant colour. I'm obsessed with yellow atm.
Would love an essential jewelry round up 👀
this keeps coming up too!!! im going to turn into a full dispatch OR a guide on IG. either way, will let you know when it's up by newsletter. for now: super into hola amor estudios, ragbag, otiumberg, mejuri, dorkas and brua jewelry.
Thank you!!! Would also love to see your thinking around investment pieces- what kind of pieces to splurge and save on? Look forward to seeing the post! 🙏🏼
yes please! especially some fun colorful summer jewelry <3
Would also love this!
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?
I love you too.
-Nightgown style dress a la doen. i would recommend white -- can wear with black under garments and heels for RISKAY night on the town, or with bathing suit, jean jacket/blazer/robe whatever over for everything else
-good grey t-shirt. i think white is overrated for tees! heather grey is much more interesting. makes a good contrast with a metal chain necklace or peals; is less expected jeans or trousers, somehow feels less formal but for reasons that a dress code enforcer can't quite understand still seem "by the rules" for a business casual work environment
-jeans that make you feel like no one else is in the room. but only you know what constitues this big! energy! (my current favs are citizens of humanity's libby silhouette and moussy's odessa)
-a jacket that is somewhere between a blazer and a jean jacket. i think this might mean like a suede fringe number. or, no, it probably means a leather jacket. although i'm reticent to recommend one CURRENTLY. i think we're about 4 years away from motorcycle jackets really coming back. it's gonna happen tho! will also be v good with frilly shorts.
-linen collarless button down short. you can wear in winter w t-neck under too!
other categories to consider: shorts, skirts, SHOES
Any good suggestions on a leather/non Moto jkt? (Maybe vegan leather?!) I’m down w fringe but wondering about a “smooth” operator type of style
You. Are. A. Queen. ❤️
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)?
N/A is really coming in hot! feel like i should hire whoever they are for feedback support!? but when i was working 8-10 last spring/summer from home, jewelry helped a lot! i'd like, SINK INTO the stay at home looks -- cotton briefs, yummy t-shirts, big soft sweaters and then go fucking ham on my fingers and wrists. do you have jewelry that genuinely brings you joy when you look down at it -- like do you ever have that feeling when you're typing and see your hands moving so quickly and you're like, "what are you guys even doing? like what are WE doing?" it's more fun when there are rings to be like: LETS DIGRESS
I'm wearing a tiara. Almost every day 💗
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
don't have a sense of your budget, but my three favorite pairs are
a) citizens of humanity's bootcut https://rstyle.me/+jGVnESOLhv9Khz3xHtcegQ
b) closed wide leg in ecru: https://us.closed.com/women/jeans/c91004-01h-27-203.html
c) moussy ripped-at-knee odessas: https://moussy-global.com/catalog/product/view/id/466145/s/mv-odessa-wide-straight-jeans-025dac11-2600/category/161/
Thanks Leandra! Loved Closed, had never heard of them before. Will be getting a pair, skinny leg though :)
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!
how about a silk bra and matching skirt? with a trench coat or like, leather blazer over?
like am i losing every ounce of credibility ive earned in your eyes by suggesting you wear a quasi ill fit sequined bikini to the courthouse https://wosbrand.co/sequins-bra
alternatively, vintage Ferre button down https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/tops/gianfranco-ferre-long-sleeve-button-up-top-9m5j8?position=38 with a silk mid-length skirt and INCONVENIENTLY GORGEOUS MOTHER FUCKING HEELS https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/sandals/manolo-blahnik-leather-sandals-9qdxi?position=47
Ok credibility is at a all time high with the I’ll fitting bra - especially as I was planning on maybe wearing this Uma Wang green velvet dress top thing that ties at one small point on the back but is otherwise completely open (ignore the matching pants underneath obviously). https://images.app.goo.gl/k18o9ZeyhznvMUbM7
I'd wear a shiny/ colourful vintage dress with a cool leather jacket, or a skirt bigger than life with a crop top/ knotted crisp shirt🤞 Also, congratulations!
Where can I find cute fisherman sandals like yours?
Seconding this--I would love a gold pair. Should I order directly from K. Jacques website? I see that they do custom orders--did you customize to get your silver pair? Thank you!
yes! i did customize the silver pair. the style of the other pair i have is called aiden, and actually i prefer it! the k jacques sandals hold up pretty well, like actually become BETTER aftwer you wear them so i feel pretty confident recommending them.
What to wear when you are petite? Like maxi dresses, dont know is it for me and if yes, how should i wear it?
do you *want* to wear maxi dresses? maybe instead we might consider something tea length (hits just above the ankle) -- tank style, potentially fitted on top and then flows out towards bottom, with a teeny tiny heel to wink a nod at your ankle and take a strut down that block thinking and saying HELLO WORLD I HAVE ARRIVED ARE YOU HERE
What do I wear if I am still breastfeeding and want to look casual yet chic and elegant?
big button down shirts -- mens polo polos were my shit, and i paired them with leggings, but like, kind of loose fit leggings? super into these from skall studio.
https://skallstudio.com/collections/leggings/products/edie-leggings-leggings-off-white
great with a denim button down https://spl.it/gu4pga
and beige suede flat sandal slides
Yes! Cool breastfeeding looks and cool postpartum for *skinny but weird bodies after pregnancy* outfits, please. Love you Leandra!
What Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration???
the algorithm is such that i dont even get to see the accounts i like most so mostly, when i am actually ON there, i go to the discover page.
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!
are you shopping a lot to fill a gap? i realized a little while ago that when i shop because i'm bored, or because i'm in a state of malaise or insecurity and want to come out of it, i tend to make decisions that are less plugged into what i'm actually looking for. think about some of the pieces you have that you really like, when have you gotten those? can you map any of them back to the state of mind you were in when you bought them -- who you were with, what was going onin your life?
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??!
forthcoming video!
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
why dont we start with what's already in your wardrobe! how much of what you currently own do you actually wear/love/feel excited to put on? is there a common theme or thread among those garments?
Hey! Have you considered resale shops/sites? Websites like TheRealReal offer an option to only see items that still have tags attached (i.e. never worn) which I found really helpful when I was first starting to buy second hand.
Sales
Second hand and vintage <3
Yes! Most of my wardrobe consists of consignment and vintage pieces already. But I want to branch out and find some cool brands that are working eco-consciously.
Then yes, I am in a similar situation to yours and have lost faith in finding these brands -- at the current state of the fashion/industrial system at least! xx
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!
one fav silhouette of the moment: https://www.closed.com/en/women/eco-denim/c91004-06e-33-mbl.html
3/4 jeans, roll up any jeans, buy a few extra skinnies to last you a while.
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)
oh sometimes i fantasize about living out of a carry on just for the hell of it. like what would i put in it and how would i keep it INTERESTING. i think i have a good sense of the basics i'd take -- tried and true jeans, shorts, button down, tee .. one sweater a jacket and then just really over index on shoes/jewelry/sunglasses?
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?
i hear that, and get it for the most part...there is no need to force it
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!!
hi!
woops sent too soon i tend to shy away from boots in the summer -- my preference across the board is an open toe shoe and actually low key feel that winter shoes ruin outfits more generally so! not sure how i'd wear ankle boots in the summer except i did go through a phase in 2016 of wearing this one pair of flat black booties that reached about two inches above my ankle with a plain white cotton sleeveless mini shift dress. made me feel like a gallerist or something. so that was that!
as far as best white t-shirt, i like the kule ones alot
https://rstyle.me/+2MmWwknX9sEfnxk9gcGonw
although some times i want one that is a bit less precious, which is usually when i gravitate towards a plain white hanes shirt. they wash well to theextent that they wear out really fast, and i like that contrast with trousers or khakis or a pair of tailored shorts. https://www.hanes.com/xp90.html
Which wardrobe essentials to buy to resolve once and for all the need to buy essentials?
white button down blouse, black turtleneck sweater (layerable), high waist mid-wash blue jeans but the rest really depends on U. like i wanna say charcoal grey swing coat with peter pan collar, but who knows if that is crazy depending on WHO LILIANA REALLY IS
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!
oh this is my fucking life. i did this funny thing a few weeks ago where i wore a white tea length dress w a black jacket over it. don;t do that. jeans are best, no q. my vibe rn is grey tank top or t-shirt, jeans and jean jacket + backless flat shoes OR my v fan fisherman sandals. easy off!
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.
have you tried the gap!? would also encourage the possibility of a light blue blouse instead of white. so nice in that poplin twill fabrique.
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!
hi! yes i get them all second hand. i have a pretty strict must-wear-with-sweatpants policy although sweatpants are really an umbrella term for like, any bottoms that aren't formal. in the summer they're much easier with jeans or jean shorts because you can just wear sandals but in the winter, it's too literal or obvious when paired with jeans and like, boots or whatever. also fun: pairing with printed frilly shirts, styled over a nightgown -- really fun with knee cap leggings, track shorts, mens swim trunks too. the whole trick with these jackets (and i think the reason i love them so much) is to pair them with the most far out or least expected garments that would occur to you. sometimes, that even means a tweed mini skirt
Love the descriptive pairings. I was envisaging each look! Thanks for the reply, I’ve been reading your work for years. It is so nice to have you back online and engaging with MR fashion Q’s. ❤️
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
Are these too out there? https://studioonyva.dk/product/anna-pants/
I have skinny chinos in blue camo from Gap (ages ago). In hot weather, thin cigarette pants, vaguely shiny, beige, jacquard print -- vintage.
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
sounds like some form of cecilie bahnsen energy is right in your wheelhouse
second hand marni from the consuela era!
Vintage
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'
forthcoming dispatch!
dream x
moiiii! and also i love everything about how you wrote this.
Ha! I feel like that sentence kinda sums up my whole life
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.
they sound pretty sleek. i wonder if you want to pair them with sheer tights, black high waist shorts, a grey t-shirt and jean jacket? or navy blue crew neck sweater/sweatshirt. nice for cooler weather. when warmed, how about denim cut offs and a light blue cotton button down?
Can you tell Gen Z the early 00s fashion is not coming back? Even ironically. No one has the bandwidth for that atrocity.
every trend has a place and a time and a purpose that is full with deep meaning!!!!
Pov: You roll out of bed early in the morning to go get a coffee. What do you put on? Thanks sis!!
SO GLAD YOU ASKED https://repeller.com/casual-outfits-for-getting-coffee/
Wowowow thank u!
Sunnies 😅
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)
sounds like you and i are in the same boat and we are needing to whittle down the fantasies of our wardrobes to accommodate a more practical lifestyle?
would encourage you to make a list of all the things you do on a regular basis and try to map those to what kinds of clothes you either do, or want to wear for those occasions and then CONFRONT THE CLOSET with that information in hand and be !relentless! about getting rid of shit.
but definitely keep a few inches of closet space for the fantasy clothes because we all need them to escape now and again.
Thank you! You're the best. I'll do my homework. And I will keep a space for fantasy clothes, we deserve.
I second this as well! I don't have children to explain my style complacency/anxiety haha, but I also find myself resorting to all the usual standbys despite being a complete hoarder.
Related: how to stop being a clothing hoarder and only invest in classic, timeless pieces?
Pack 99% of your wardrobe away in boxes, ideally out of sight. Wear the classic pieces you have, find your way with them, learn what you like, what makes it tick for you, what's missing. Pretend you're traveling with a small suitcase... and big style. If you forget about the other clothes in a few months, you can sell/ donate/ etc.
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?
Ok wow now that I wrote this down, the question is clearer in my head: do your lewks usually reflect how you feel? Or the opposite?
totally depends on how down i am! like, when i'm despondent its usually exercise clothes thati dont have to think about, but when im sad and feel enough strength to lift myself out, mostly i use that opportunity to turn! a! frown! upside down. like, actually it works -- and often i have said that a good outfit -- like, solving the equation of feeling really cool in your clothes, can be the difference between a good day and a bad day and thatis what makes it so hard for me to ever antagonize fashion/accuse it of being frivolous.
...this didnt actually answer the question, but "what do i wear when i feel kind of blue but have enough energy to pull myself out of it" is a good prompt for one fo the next dressing dispatches?
in way it did answer. thanks! aaaaand it would be a very good dressing dispatch! sometimes i also feel the energy to pull myself out of sadness through clothes. and even when i don’t, i always wonder and check: do I care enough to try?
would not take fashion for frivolous either, for me it is a very natural form of self expression. the way I feel with wearing some clothes can bring me confidence in a minute. and sometimes finding that the comfort and assurance the lewk brings was already within me it’s the absolute best!! it can be just a vehicle for good stuff
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 💌
yes! i think i should turn this into a video tho.
please do. sometimes i still watch the old ones - the one with free advice is my absolute favorite
I miss the “Leandra Dresses Leandra” ones 🥺
me too!!!!
*that aren’t too serious is what I meant 🤦🏻♀️ yeesss, please do if you can! your videos are gems themselves 💎
can’t wait to see it!
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?
hell yeah! tie them into skirts, into cropped blouses, wear exclusively with socks around your home. do you have one in partic that you love?
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?
hi! how do you feel more generally? no need to force yourself into getting dressed if you're just not feeling it and able to derive joy from other places that are actually more satisfying. but if you're looking for it, i think a good place to start is in the last outfit that truly made you feel like a million bucks -- what was it? if it doesn't make sense to wear now, what was it about the look? how can you take those principles to otherwise categories in your closet?
I wore my favourite boots (dusky pink leather) all day yesterday, including during post-work gardening (!). I've been wearing dresses I never got round to before and loving it. Ie, I skipped semi-nice for full blown. I found it easier to be overdressed 😂 And so much fun.
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.
what still fits and feels super good? start there and work around. but write back so i can help!
I’ve been keeping it simple: some favorite spring/summer dresses, wide leg cropped “nice” sweats, a variety of white button downs, tees, skirts, and added some excellent new accessories, which always fit. This forced me to find myself again after 2020, which is kinda nice. Working on getting back into all of my clothes 🙂
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?
i used to feel a pressure to define it -- i think that was before i really knew what my style was but now my sense is more like: this is so low stakes and low risk. if i look like an idiot, or dont feel lkike myself, or realize i dont like this, ill just wear something different tomorrow. i guess i define it as polished englishman x collarless chanel jacket.
honestly defining your style is futile. seems to crystallize what you do and dont like in a way that doesnt offer enough space for you to explore where your fashion interests take you. they change, they're fluid. they're like us!
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!!
hi! do you like button downs? polo makes some great ones for men, which are prices under $100 -- my preference is their denim, which might be too casual for you, but there are great black, navy, white and light blue options. you might want to start there! they also just look real cute tucked out and and such with knee cap leggings and open arch/backless sandals. then, yeah! jewlery! although not what you might imagine -- dainty gold chains around your neck, perhaps one strand of semi precious beads. i recently encountered a couple of exciting new jewlery designers for every day stuff.
https://www.instagram.com/juliaaeran/ - price range totally varies, i'm super into the fire opals (i got a strand) and want to make a set of chrysophase (that deep aquatic green color) next. would look good, me thinks with like, a pink button down!
also: https://www.instagram.com/_carm.n_/
darling charms to add to chains or franky even string you just have lying around.
entireworld mens button downs, btw, are pretty solid too.
Headscarves. Any scarves. A jacket. A brooch. Several brooches. A scarf and a brooch. A jacket and a... 😉