A case and a poem for the navy blue button-down shirt

Sometimes breaking down what makes something good is really just about how many ways you can wear it

Nov 25, 2021

This is a public post from How to wear, a franchise about, yes, how to get dressed but also lately how to wear the same thing a million ways.

On Tuesday morning, I was getting dressed to take my daughter to the doctor, thinking that my turkey still had not arrived, wondering what I would do with her (my daughter, not the turkey) after the doctor, when this navy blue button-down shirt basically ripped itself off a hanger, assembling back-up dance support in the form beige trousers, red overalls and a pale puffer mini skirt, as it (the shirt) sang, “Welcome to my Broadway show!”

So I was like, Okay, that’s cool! Can you just explain to me how and why we got here?

“Now now, young disciple,” the blue shirt said. “Allow me to explain by demonstration.

You can wear me open,

LMND button down shirt, Kule grey t-shirt (duh), Jenna Blake necklace, Walk of Shame trousers, Bougeotte loafers

Or you can wear me closed.*

You can cross me over,

AWAKE Mode skirt, pharmacy brand knee-high socks, Christian Louboutin kitten heels, Tanner Kolle trunk bag — I think I’ll wear this to host dinner tonight?

Or tuck me into pantyhose.

Levi’s shorts, Chanel tights (they were a hashtag giftfromchanel), Loewe derbies

Wear something loud on top of me!

Cecilie Bahnsen top, Giuliva Heritage pants, Jimmy Choo satin sandals — 2014

Something you’ll scream about!

Or keep it quiet in the room,

Rosie Assoulin suit, Mango x LMC turtleneck, Falke socks

Show calm with just a little doubt.

Leandra Medine shoes from 2018 — this brand doesn’t exist anymore but look I found them. Warning: they are NOT walking shoes

Take me to a wedding.

This is the skirt my grandma wore to my dad’s wedding!

Or simply to the gym.

The Row sunglasses, Entireworld sweatshirt (RIP!), Saudé leggings, Kule socks, New Balance sneakers, Ratio et Motus bag

Wear me to school drop off

Patou sweater, Venstore sweatpants, $85 Manolo Blahnik boots from The Real Real for real real

Or someplace where lights go dim.

Mango x Leandra Medine Cohen jacket, Dice Kayek shorts, Falke socks (more fun!), $65 Manolo Blahnik mules from The Real Real for real real. Kind of love these Kate Spade ones for $45 too tho

Do something no one else would or be fully understood.

Consigned jacket, Hey Gang overalls, Falke socks (more fun!), The Row loafers (2016? 17?) — they’re here on Gilt for $250

Squeeze me into a small sandwich

Yali jacket and skirt, Falke socks, Gucci sandals — 2016.

Or don’t! The point is simply that you could.”

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!! If you’re around next week on Tuesday night, come to my bright session! It’s about how to make holiday party outfits with your own clothes.

Love,

Leandra