The fall dress code is slowly taking shape
Simple impulses that make a difference
A cycle I’ve been rotating through for the past few weeks: I go to my closet excited to get dressed and see what will come out of me that day, but end up on the other side kind of deflated or dejected or just discombobulated. I feel flat or dull or like a parody of myself. Nothing is coming alive.
I once had the opportunity to interview Ralph Lauren before a big anniversary show of his and the best advice he gave was that, “You’ve got to be inspired by your own life.” I have been feeling none of that as it relates to the aesthetic component of mine.
I suspect this is a function of a combination of (1) where we’re at seasonally during an east coast stretch of atypically warm Fall weather that has been buttressed by a few normal days (see: yday), and (2) my being postpartum.
I recall that after my last pregnancy, I craved nothing short of simplicity while, I realize now, I was reluctantly crawling into a new shape on the terrain of my identity. There’s an element of my wanting to simplify again now but it’s underscored by a greater desire for reinvention. That piece of it feels different to me — a little more challenging to stylistically reconcile, but now that I’ve laid it out, also pretty thrilling/inspiring in its own right. I think it’s the part that wants to come alive.
I don’t know what that looks like or how it’ll play out but this is probably why it all feels so unstable. When things are shaky, I tend to go for the tried and trues, what I know works, even if it doesn’t feel as good or as fresh as it once did because it helps me rebuild confidence.
Also of note: the shakes aren’t scary or daunting this time, they feel a little softer, are definitely more exciting. Maybe that’s why I’ve been drawn to small, quirky impulses — not quite trends, not quite products, but ways of wearing things.
Here are 6 (7) of them.
A tie feels great. My preference for wearing is with a casual jacket — think field, army, anorak — with exceptional shoes.
Cos bubble hem jacket, Bally button down (but I’m drawing your attention to this shirt), Khaite ‘Daria’ jeans (the closest comp), Chanel sandals (here in a 40.5 and here in a 38.5; these are kind of a comp but only because there is stuff going on front of foot, and for the aspirational “O!,” I give you: hi) and here’s are 2 black satin ties The other thing you’ll want to do is nail a feminine silhouette for your legs be it a pair of high rise jeans, something form-flattering and flare or a skirt. Example:
Green Rain jacket, Heirlome shirt (here in chocolate brown, here in white; see also: this), a red linen tie I bought for Abie, which he has ever worn, Tory Burch mini skirt (kind of an alt? and $160!), Khaite suede Apollo boots A black and brown combo. You can throw in navy too. This one doesn’t look like much, but it does feel a shift because something about the winter nudes styled together without the usual bridge colors (oatmeal, grey) feels right — maybe it liberates our closets in a way? So many more pairing options if black/brown/navy are a fair game combo. A strong representation previewed in Central Park last weekend:
Fully remakeable with these from Tory Burch Essential to note is that the dash of white (collar, socks) makes a difference. My own rendering:
Khaite sunglasses (here they are with gold frames), LMND black shirt (the white buttons help this one, but you can do with white crew neck under if your black shirt has mono-buttons), navy crew neck sweatshirt (for unexpected texture), Giuliva Heritage brown ‘Laura’ trousers, The Row sandals 
Some good alt brown flares: Proenza (65% off), Veronica Beard, Toteme (have these ones, wear them a shit ton) The other neutrals vibe that’s getting me out of bed:
Marina Moscone trench coat, By Malene Birger khaki button down shirt, Kallmeyer pants, Dior shoes; similar vibes here and here (less the gold detailing) Layers and layers of khaki. Might have more to do with the flexibility to go big with accessories (which I did not) but I like it either way.
An ideal segue because: the thing about more subtle clothing expressions is that they’re permission to get weird with your accessories. And they do indeed make all the difference.
The fish pin is from Merci C’est Vintage, the chain link bracelets are Rabanne (gold and silver), and the wood one is from a collab I have launching imminently; the infinite spiral necklace (red string) is from the same collab and the chai (which means life in hebrew) on Marisa Klass beads is from my sister-in-law’s new venture! I also have another brooch pinned into my sleeve (the one with all bracelets) from Dorka S. Sometimes I flip on too many of my switches 
Aflalo coat, black cotton tank, Callas Milano pants, Polo Ralph Lauren sneakers (also a fan of Superga, and more recently: Bensimon); the tote is a new flannel version of Rue de Verneuil’s classic ‘Traversee’ The thing that’s so great about a classic coat that is cozy (feels like a blanket) and enables seamless mobility is that in addition to it looking just wild enough (but not too wild) with brooches, it makes for a good keep-on item. Like imagine it as a dress for example. It becomes impulse no. 4 —
How to look put together for errands. School drop-off, commuting to a morning workout class, picking up groceries, getting a coffee, wtvr you’re doing that doesn’t require clothes but might still call you to look like you’re dressed.
Fforme cap, Heirlome coat, Khaite belt and sunglasses, Alo Yoga leggings, The Row non-ballet flat flats Belt a coat, wear leggings and style in any shoe of your choice. Cowboy boots, sock boots, lace up loafers, penny loafers, recreational trainers, a non-ballet flat flat.
By Malene Birger coat and belt, Alo Yoga leggings, Le Monde Beryl sneakers, Metier suede tote (have you seen Toteme’s? Love this mini from Altuzarra too; TRR, $156), Dries Van Noten necklace (here too in black/gold, but more $$ for whatever reason) Really is ideal for an occasion where you’re running around and your coat is actually part of the outfit. Onwards to the final 3:
