It’s a feeling, I tell you!
This week I thought I’d share some ideas on achieving that effortless-cool-look that is most easily detected by a feeling. The feeling you get when wearing just the right cocktail of pieces; a harmonious ensemble of perfect proportions, with color, form, and fit all in tip top order.
Because it’s a feeling, it means the formula is going to be different by person. So, I’m sharing some looks in which I’m feeling great, and maybe you’ll be inspired to dig into what’s keeping you on the up and up these days.
A flat shoe is the outfit maker for me in this scenario. And I mean a perfectly flat shoe — no heel, no lift, no platform, no nothing, just my foot, the sole, and the ground.
«the ballet flat»
ft. an oversized pantleg, overlapping necklines, and a boxy jacket
There are lots of ballet flats in the world, and for me, the right pair took 35 years to come along. But now that I have them, they are such an incredibly easy outfit maker. I like these ones for a few reasons 1) they are black, ipso facto they go with so many shoulder season looks 2) the toe box is deep (none of these weird flats where the top is so shallow that toes are peeping out) 3) they have a square toe 4) they are form fitting (as in, they have the scrunchy sides so that the shoe basically expands to the length of your foot and then fits like a little leather sock).
The rest of the look is a springtime tonic of pieces that are easily shed or layered up as the temperature of the day reveals itself. Tie the sweater around your waist, drape the leather jacket over your shoulders — the world is your oyster!
A take on the playful foil: my Pinocchio-patterned tote from Florence.
White / grey / black are safe choices on any given day, and just a teeny tiny string of red is enough to break up the monochrome tonality of this look.
Another outfit choice with the ballet flats, this time a bit dressier.
ft. a form fitting split-flare pant, a not-yet-in-summer-storage wool trench, and a vintage tee
For the unrelenting days of April that are still in the 40s, drizzling, or just windy enough to be cold — here’s a last chance to wear the best trenches of winter before they get stored away. Usually these cooler spring days are still warm enough to wear an open shoe, and it’s never out of the question to just layer a sock underneath should the need arise. I like these yoga socks under the flats because they look even more ballet.
I paired a vintage yellow tee to pick up the yellow threading in this coat — in hopes that it would bring a spring-y vibe to the ensemble. I ended up really liking how the thrashed shirt looked under the tailored coat.
«the flat leather sandal»
The other flat shoe to take off the bench this time of year is the slip-on sandal.
ft. business / suit —> as in, there’s a bathing suit top layered under my most business apropos jacket and pants
Even though I no longer work in the corporate world, I’ve kept a few of the classics, ushering them in and out of the rotation when the look requires a dose of polish or structure.
This next ensemble is a way to dust off the business attire that may be languishing in your closet (unless, of course, you still wear your business attire, in which case, maybe this is a way to spice it up)
The flat sandal works in destabilizing what might otherwise be taken for a very serious outfit (ie, if I wore black heels with this look it might translate to “I’m about to go on an interview, wish me luck”). A pair of leather crossovers is an ideal choice because they have a narrowing effect, criss crossing with angles that create a slender and feminine foot shape.
Now, you might be asking yourself, is there anything more destabilizing to a wool trouser than a flat leather sandal? The answer would be yes, a bathing suit top.
I thrifted this top last year with the thought that I’d wear it roller skating. But once I got it home I started thinking, it would be a shame to only wear it that one time every 3-4 years that I roller skate. Using it as a foil to a buttoned-up look seems like the next logical option, right? But really though, I did start thinking it would be amazing as just a top — eclectic, effervescent, etc.
Fast forward to this week, and
posts an edit on one-piece suits being the top of the summer. Voila! Now seems as good a time as any to finally take the suit from concept to reality, and I love how it turned out.In the spirit of Leandra’s post, I would also love to try a one-piece as the top. I found the perfect vintage contender, a 1990s tartan cross-back swimmy!
Making athleisure look chic is something we’ve likely all perfected since the year 2020, and I’ve come to realize that some of my favorite looks come from mixing athleticwear with non-athleticwear for that cool effect that emanates when you are simultaneously comfortable and confident.
ft. athletic pants, fitted undershirt, and polished outerwear
It’s always good to have a “throw together” look up your sleeve — I’m happy to report that this is one of those looks. Not high maintenance, and leaves open the possibility for playful additions, should the inspiration strike. And should the inspiration not strike (the dreaded feeling when you stare into the abyss that is your closet and wonder why you ever bought any of the things hanging in front of you) this outfit will be patiently waiting.
The logic behind this look goes something like this: athleticwear makes me tap into my Sporty Spice energy, which is casual confidence. On the other hand, things like an open décolleté, black trench, and posh little slip-on sandals make me feel femme-y and put together. By mixing all of these vibes together, I get a composed, yet cool ensemble that I can wear virtually anywhere and feel fabulous.
I usually size up when I buy athletic pants, that way they have a bit of a baggy look. These Nike track pants are thrifted, and the undershirt is one I’ve had for a really long time. You probably have a bunch of undershirts that you never thought of wearing as the main event — try it out!
I’m endlessly inspired by what others are doing out there, so please share your spring outfit-makers and what’s making you feel effortlessly YOU! xx, until next week.