I have this one on repeat

An easy uniform to carry you through the first week back to life

It bears repeating that the Tuesdays after New Years and Labor Day are kind of the same in that they both signify an enthusiastically fresh start, clean slate.

Both carry with them momentum that breeds enough optimism to have you commit that: this is the year I get my shit together, make my dreams come true, befriend my demons, live my best life, ascend (psychically speaking) to the spiritual realm etc.

The key difference is that the weather is good in September (more forgiving than what we’re dealt in January) — still hot but not muggy, with a fresh breeze to boot (literally) —

To boot. And here is the tank (not quite a bodysuit, but in the spirit of one). Linea Pelle belt, Aflalo jeans, Toteme navy satin boots, Marisa Klass necklace

It is perfect outfit weather that lends itself to a straightforward, repeatable template (uniform). Good enough to carry you for weeks if you want it to, simple enough to drop at your doorstep if you’re thirsty for something a little wilder.

The uniform

The equation goes like this:

Sleeveless bodysuit (I like a u-line, but this square neck number from Aritzia is great and this boat neck from Rue Sophie is elegant; YOU CAN ALSO JUST USE A BLACK BATHING SUIT), or fitted tank top (if bathroom mobility matters to you) or sleeveless turtleneck (could be bodysuit but not mandatory)

+

mid to high rise jeans (raw, blue, ripped, white — wtvr!)

+

closed toe shoes (loafers, boots)

=

don’t worry yourself about what to wear until you’ve settled into the back to school of it all.

It’s simple but that doesn’t make it basic. Some ways I have been chalking it up, outlined by suggested occasion in which to wear —

Occasion: work

I guess this is assuming that you could wear jeans to work, but just as easily, you could replace the jeans with a pair of seasonless wool, straight leg trousers, like this longstanding, effusive recommendation from Argent (I size up 1x for a roomier fit).

Fleur du Mal short-sleeve body suit (this ribbed polo neck would also work well), Ralph Lauren concho belt, Brock jeans (the closest alt at market is these from Toteme; I also have and love these from Kallmeyer for a slouchier fit), Bougeotte loafers

Re: loafers: these from Gianvito Rossi are a great cut, ditto that these from M. Gemi

And for more concho suggestions, Etsy’s got great buckles; you’ll just need a belt strap for most of them. Isabel Marant’s is basically a mirror.

Occasion: play

Which could mean a lot of things, including the regular humdrum of whatever you do in a day during waking hours. I wore this yesterday with a white shirt unbuttoned over. Then again later with this. A good security blanket and look transformer if and when you need it.

Christopher Esber suit, Levi’s jeans, Louboutin loafers (these are the wildcard) and I’m recommending this tassel in lieu of a bag to hook onto to a black makeup pouch or a clutch that you already have. Truly an instant bag transformer. Very Row-coded.

Can’t decide if I love or hate this alt Esber bodysuit. But am pretty sure I love this. Here’s is an uncannily ideal alt belt

Occasion: back-to-school (orientation, drop off)

So you want to look appropriate, but retain that bit of your personality.

Rue Sophie turtleneck top (not the same, but would wear same way), Aflalo skinny jeans (they r 50% off), The Row cross top sandals

Bracelet coming soon! From the LMC Fine x Aflalo collection II

Earrings are here (we’re back in stock! We’re offering free returns!), Ray-ban sunglasses

Occasion: night (w ur friends)

Wash off the appropriate-wear and get a little naaaaaasssssstaeaeaey.

Tory Burch’s croc bodysuit. This from Commando is such a good alternative. Or you could emulate Tory’s with this from Herve Leger

My jeans are Moussy. Just got these from Ruadh and they are great. Still, also, recommend these from Levi’s as an alt too.

Sunglasses are Khaite, croc embossed clutch is Toteme and the similarly embossed loafers are Emme Parsons. See what I did here? Re: jeans, I’ve been circling these, which are not ripped, but they would be good.

The occasion: let’s dance!

Craving a sloppy, sweaty night out with every bone in my body. But feeling no need to look sweaty or sloppy. A u-neck-line and lace up-the-butt jeans will do.

Alaia bodysuit, Jean Paul Gaultier jeans

I’ve worn this with these loafers from Emme Parsons, but I love the pictured sandals, from Neous; a more playful take on these.

A mezuza necklace by me, styled with our Greek key.

Byorc (robe coat) —

Chan Luu organdy coat (she comes in olive now too)

You can put anything you want in your scroll holder, fyi

Occasion: choose your own adventure (applicable under any of the above circumstances)

A few good black tank tops are this way. This one from Skims is the best shape ref, with this one as best all around alt

It’s a subtle, but deliberate clash between the Marisa Klass gemstone necklace and studded Linea Pelle belt, made possible by the simplicity of the top/jeans combo

Aflalo jeans, Toteme boots (a navy boot wouldn’t hit with as much gusto if the jeans were a diff color)

So many ways to chalk up the broader thesis of this story. So many simple, straightforward elements you can pluck from the workout or swimwear or underwear drawers to pair with your most reliable jeans. Jeans are back!!! I’m ready to embrace them again. We’ll talk about it in a couple of weeks. Until then, enjoy the weather, sip in the buzz, stay close to yourself, cheers.

Leandra