Details: Equipment blouse (thrifted), Highline vest (thrifted), Vero Moda pants (thrifted)
Thoughts: I loved the colours and silhouette of this outfit. Soothing and laidback respectively. I am very into longline vests and coats (or coatigans) right now, and find them to be a versatile replacement for more traditional toppers like blazers.
Details: Markantoine x Icone hoodie (thrifted), Everlane pants (thrifted), Arnold Churgin boots (thrifted)
Thoughts: I’ve been slowly accumulating more athleisure in my closet, but the truth is that I probably have more than enough given my actual needs (I wear it to lounge at home, and on walks/to the park). However, how could I resists this sequined hoodie? I mean, it’s blue, green and purple — all my favourite colours — and did I mention it’s sequined? Definitely made for someone with a magpie heart like mine.
Details: Jasper Conran bustier (Poshmark), BR belt (thrifted), William Morris x H&M dress (thrifted)
Thoughts: I called this my Maid Marian cosplay, and you know you see it. It was fun. Having fun with clothes is kinda my motto. Anyway, I like to find ways to de-glamify this bustier because it *is* quite dramatic but at the same time, too beautiful to save for a (very rare) special occasion. The design and construction are *chef’s kiss*. I’ve struggled to find “everyday” ways to wear it, but I will continue to try.
Details: Pieces & Co. x BR jacket (thrifted), Wilfred pants (Poshmark), BCBG belt (thrifted)
Thoughts: Mixed up two lovely patterns with a similar colour palette, added shoes in a unifying colour to hold them together, then finished with a pinch of contrast via a yellow belt. Recipe for outfit magic.
Details: Vince dress (thrifted), Noul coat (thrifted), Doc Marten’s shoes (swap), Liz Claiborne bag (thrifted)
Thoughts: This was a style experiment inspired by necessity. I put away all my winter shoes without checking the weather forecast and, of course, it dumped snow the very next day. These boots were my only readily accessible option, so I tried to build a somewhat “avante-garde” (for me) outfit around them. I’m still getting used to the dress+chunky boot formula, but it was fun to try.
Details: RACHEL Rachel Roy dress (thrifted), Kimchi Blue pants (thrifted), Rebel Sugar turtleneck (gift)
Thoughts: Tunic (or dress) over pants is another favourite formula of mine at the moment, and this iteration works very well due to the draping on the dress; it gives the outfit “movement” even when stationary. I also ended up layering a couple of necklace for extra drama.
I have quite a few much-beloved pieces of clothing in my
closet, but while they all bring me a lot of joy, they don’t necessarily form
the backbone of my wardrobe. I could rhapsodize at length about my favourite
pieces, but it might be more useful to talk about something slightly different:
to wit, the most versatile items in my wardrobe. Even if your style is nothing
like mine, you might find some inspiration from seeing the potential represented
in these pieces.
Of course, this is still a subjective exercise – as anything
fashion-related always is. Don’t take those “Ten Must-Have Items For Every
Wardrobe” articles literally; there is no such thing. Clothing needs are never
universal unless we are talking generalities like “pants” and “shoes”. And even
“pants” are debatable (says the woman who wears skirts and dresses 80% of the time).
With that being said … here’s my list.
Zara crop top/vest
I’ve had this top since 2018, I think, and it’s certainly one of my most worn clothing items. It can be worn as a top, as a vest, or as a general layering piece. The faux leather front panel give a bit of edge to outfits, often creating a nice juxtaposition with more luxe materials. It can be dressed up or down, and work with anything from glam to rock ‘n roll to witchy styles.
2. Kimchi Blue side zip ponte culottes
This is a bit more subjective a choice, because not everyone likes wide-leg cropped pants. As someone with an almost-petite length inseam, I find that cropped pants work best for me; a modest wide leg feels like a more current cut than the old cigarette style I used to wear. But regardless of silhouette, the key details here are (1) the side zipper, and (2) ponte knit material. The side zipper helps to streamline the fit, eliminating extra bulkiness around the waist, which in turn makes it possible to wear these pants under dresses or tunics, hence increasing their versatility (if that kind of layering is your jam). A thicker ponte material helps to give the pants some structure but also stretch – great for comfort.
3. Mesh turtleneck
This is probably most worn layering piece. It works so well for transitional weather, adding some extra coverage without bulk. It’s also great if your style skews a bit goth/dark romantic/witchy.
4. Topshop polka dot pinafore
Pinafore style dresses are inherently quite versatile because they can be worn alone or over any number of different tops – it’s like a new dress each time. I am very partial to this particular dress because I find the cut to be very flattering but also comfortable, and because the black-and-white geometric pattern is very easy to mix and match with both solid colours and other patterns – minimalist or maximalist, whatever your preference.
5. Re/Done tee
This is a cliché, but a good graphic t-shirt can be super versatile. You can dress it up with a pencil skirt, dress it down with jeans, and lots of other things in between. I love the retro vibes and colours of this Re/Done tee, but the choices here are endless. I do recommend picking a design with a colour palette that complements the rest of your wardrobe.
6. BCBG peplum belt
I find belts to be an easy way to change up the silhouette of an outfit, particularly anything involving dresses. I initially got this belt because of the shape (reads designer even though it isn’t) and was a bit hesitant about the colour. Turns out, the colour is a huge part of its appeal and versatility. Black is a common default “accessory” colour, but I’ve discovered that white can be equally versatile whether your colour palette is monochromatic or rainbow (like mine).
7. Cartonnier fur collar jacket
This piece is a little more niche, but in looking back over my outfits of the past 3-4 years, this jacket crops up again and again. It’s a moto-style jacket, but it’s slightly more unusual being a knit material (not leather) and having a faux fur collar. Again, it’s an item that has served me well as transitional outerwear in a variety of outfits, from preppy to boho to punk-lite.
8. J. Crew check vest
I love vests as “completer piece” in outfits. Vest are inherently versatile; you can wear them with pants, with skirts, and even with dresses. Of all my vests, this J. Crew is probably the most versatile. The neutral colour works well with a variety of other colours, while the subtle pattern adds visual interest without pulling too much attention to itself.
9. Gap striped sweater
Patterns are not for everyone, and stripes are certainly not my favourite type of pattern, but this particular sweater somehow manages to work for almost everyone. I’m pretty sure I’ve managed to “sell” this sweater to at least a dozen people in the last 3 or 4 years, which is definitely my most successful “influencer” achievement. It’s a colourful sweater but not so colourful that it overwhelms. I find that it works equally well with monochromatic outfits as with more colourful ones. And being a relatively lightweight knit, it can even be layered.
10. Poncho
This one came out of left field, so to speak — surprising me with its versatility. I had never paid much attention to ponchos in the past, but I bought this one because the colours attracted me. Turns out, it’s a great “3rd piece” to throw on whenever in doubt; it works with pants, skirts, dresses, you name it. I think the key is finding one that has a nice weight and drape to it, and a colour palette that complements the rest of your wardrobe. The warm tones of this one works well as a contrast to the cool colours in my wardrobe (green, blue) and complements the warm ones nicely.
Details: Club Monaco turtleneck (retail), Ralph Lauren blazer (thrifted), Cartonnier pants (thrifted)
Thoughts: I love, love, love this outfit. It perfectly encapsulates one aspect of my style — the Historian. It’s, like, elevated dark academia? I don’t know, I’ve always been bad with style descriptors. I like that it’s a little bit history professor, a little bit maybe-villain. I enjoy outfits that allow me to imagine myself in the middle of a murder mystery (let’s say) while also being wearable for my actual day.
Details: Only t-shirt (thrifted), Liz Claiborne dress (thrifted), BR belt (thrifted).
Thoughts: I can’t wait for spring and summer. I’m practicing at home till I’m ready to bust out my summer wardrobe properly. This outfit was fun and the perfect amount of “dressing up” for one of my days off. I really like how the graphic of the t-shirt works with the dress.
Details: Topshop dress (ebay), Oak & Fort top (Poshmark), Manolo Blahnik shoes (thrifted), selfmade necklace (thrifted and upcycled).
Thoughts: I wanted an outfit to showcase my newly upcycled necklace, made from 2 thrifted necklaces. Yes, sometimes I pick the jewelry first, then the outfit around it. I thought the polka dot pinafore would be a great pairing for this fun, asymmetrical geometric necklace. Plus, any excuse to wear one of my fave dresses.
Details: Motions top (thrifted), Troubadour skirt (consignment), Debew poncho (thrifted), Lena Bernard necklace (thrifted)
Thoughts: I mentioned before that I love 3-piece outfits, and this one is great for WFH. I feel dressed, but also comfortable. The mossy green velvet top adds extra richness to the colour palette – much better than a black top (my old default).
Details: granny square sweater (thrifted and upcycled), Inc International pants (thrifted)
Thoughts: Hot pink culottes were one of my best buys last year. That’s basically all I have to say. Oh, and I love my granny square sweater made from a blanket I thrifted by the wonderfully talented Prairie Trail Goods.
Thoughts: I had this blazer up for sale for a while, but no buyers, so I decided to give it another try. I’m probably going to keep it. It’s just too much of a classic to give up completely, and it will work for the Historian outfits. The skirt is a recent thrift purchase. I love the design, but the fit … oof. It’s a size 10 which I thought would be safe, even with Aritzia sizing (always fits small on me). And it’s snug! It must be why the previous owner donated it, practically brand new; inconsistent sizing is the worst.
Thoughts: Another outfit I adored wearing. I like to think of it as the off-duty Historian. Plus, I am obsessed with moon-themed clothing and jewelry, and this checked so many boxed.
