So yes, the list is made up entirely of wardrobe foundations.

They’re not necessarily the most exciting items I own, but they’re often the reason an outfit comes together in the first place. Once the foundation is set, it’s time to have fun with styling... proportions, accessories, and all the little details that make an outfit feel personal.

And if I’m being honest, that’s the part I find the most exciting!

One: The White Tee

I told you, groundbreaking!!!!! And yes, this is number one because it’s definitely the single piece I wear the most.

A good white t-shirt doesn’t need much explanation, we all know it’s a staple! But for me, and for my clients, it’s much more than that, it’s a blank canvas.

A white tee can look relaxed, polished, classic, cool, feminine, or even edgy depending on what you pair it with. Add a blazer and heels and it feels completely different than when worn with denim and loafers.

I have tried sooo many t-shirts to get to the ones I own and love, so here is a little list of my favorites:

• The Emmylou: My number one. I own it in a few different sizes depending on the look and proportions I’m after. The fabric is great and holds up surprisingly well through the constant wash and dry cycle.

• The Margo: No explanation needed. Just try it if you haven’t already! And I love the long sleeve Margo as well!

• The Adine: The fabric is slightly thinner than the ones above. Can’t forget to mention the Adine Shrunken version.

• The Sherman: A go-to long-sleeve in any season.

Two: The Denim

I live in denim. Seriously!!!

And yes, it’s another staple, but there are so many options out there that finding the right pair can feel overwhelming, I know!

One thing I always tell clients is that not every pair of denim works for every body. But the opposite is also true: there is a perfect pair out there for everyone.

Finding that pair is often one of my first priorities when I start working with a new client, and I don’t take that task lightly. If you’re working with me and tell me you need to find your denim, be prepared to try on 30 pairs at once, until we find the right fit!

I could probably write an entire book about denim, fit, rises, and silhouettes, but for now I’ll leave you with a few of my current favorites. (And for context, I am petite.)

• The Cool Denim: My favorite right now! A couple of PSAs... this is a true low-waist denim, so make sure that’s your thing before purchasing it! From the same brand, I also love the Buckle Jean (mid- to high-waist). Another great option in the low-waist, baggy silhouette is this pair from Agolde.

• The Hugh: These have been in my closet for years, and I keep reaching for them. They are a little more fitted than the options above.

• The Shiloh: My white denim of choice right now!

• Everyday denim (think flat shoes and running errands!): The 501 ‘90s (if you’re petite, opt for the ankle version), The Knockout, and The Riaco.

Three: The Pants

The Gala Pant

I know, I know, you’re probably tired of hearing about The Row Gala Pant (Black Cady Gala, Black Wool Gala, Navy Gala). And yes, I mean the original Gala Pant. I’ve tried the dupes, and they’re just not the same! (But if you want to experiment before buying the real deal, here is my favorite tried-and-true “dupe”: The Colby - use ANA10 for a special discount!).

They’re comfortable, incredibly flattering (for every body, and I don’t say that out of nowhere, I’ve seen them work wonders for all my clients), easy to dress up or down (roll them up on the waist for a loafer or flip-flop look, let them sit longer for heels), and always look chic.

I will keep saying it: worth every $$$!!!

The Tailored Pleated Trouser

Another pair of pants that's always great to have on hand is a tailored, pleated option. Pleats can be tricky depending on your body type, but these have a fluid silhouette that makes them much easier to wear and flattering on almost everyone. The pleating create movement instead of adding bulk, which is exactly what we're looking for!

The Leset Kyoto Carpenter Pant

This is another style that I love and wear over and over again. It’s 100% cotton and fills a different styling category, but again: comfortable, cool, and easy to style.

I was hesitant to include them because they’re constantly sold out, but I wear mine so often that they had to be included.

Four: The Black Blazer

Another classic… It’s that item in your closet that rounds out an outfit like nothing else.

White tee and denim? Add a blazer. Simple dress? Add a blazer. Trousers and flats? Add a blazer. Shorts and a tee? Add a blazer. And the list goes on and on...

Here are a couple of favorites:

• Toteme Tailored Blazer: Very well constructed, with a straightforward design and fit.

• The Quinn: A great entry-level option with the perfect oversized fit.

• Saint Laurent Double-Breasted: It's impossible to talk about blazers without including a Saint Laurent option. The House just knows tailoring. Period.

Five: The Accessories That Complete Everything

I looooove accessories, they are the easiest way to elevate even the most basic outfit and bring a little zhuzh to it!

Here are the pieces I've been reaching for the most lately: Chanel ballet flats, comfy but chic flip flops ; a great pair of heels, a great everyday bag (I’ve been leaning heavily on this Phoebe Philo and my latest addition, the Row Agnes), and the final touches that pull everything together, like this belt (or this one) and this Juju Vera necklace.

How To Style:

We definitely need a Part Two (go-to button-downs, cardigans, hero pieces, etc.), but I hope this list makes your life easier the same way it makes mine.

And I truly believe that most of the time, we don’t really need more clothes… And forget about trying to keep up with every single outfit or trend you see on social media (it will drive you mad!!!! And we don’t want that!).

Instead, focus on the pieces that fit you well, make you feel good, and build your own go-tos from there. The goal is to create balance and make the outfit feel like a reflection of you.

Sending love,

Ana

Paris has always been one of my favorite places, and a city where I feel at home. It felt like the right place to celebrate a beautiful 2025 and to create space to get clear on what I am calling in next.

Here is what my three solo days in Paris looked like:

I. Where I Stayed and Slowed Down

Since I only had three days in Paris before heading to London to meet my husband, staying at Costes felt like the right thing to do. The vibe is unmatched… Sexy, warm, and very Parisian. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and they have a great shower, which is always important to me!

Location also played a role. Staying in the 1st arrondissement just made sense for how I wanted to move through my days in Paris. The plan was to walk around, shop, and eat well. Speaking of food, I absolutely love the restaurant at Costes. If I had to eat every meal there for the whole trip, I honestly would not mind at all! It is also one of my favorite places for solo dinners. The tables are close, and you always end up chatting with fun people. This time, I met this sweet older couple, and the woman was a fashion lover, so, of course, we had plenty to talk about!!!

II. Self-Care Indulgences

Because at the end of the day, we are girls and we need our earthly indulgences!!!

The first thing I did after checking into my hotel was take a quick shower, change, and head to the Ritz for a haircut. It was December 26th and the main David Mallett location was closed for the holidays, but his salon at the Ritz was open. I booked time with Charlotte, who did an amazing job cutting my hair and bringing some freshness. I also bought their Hydrating mask and shampoo. They make my hair feel delicious and have zero fragrance and color, just the necessary stuff! Not part of the salon experience, but definitely indulgent, was the solo dinner I had at the Ritz restaurant right after. I still smile just thinking about the bear dessert!

Now let’s talk about the Costes spa experience… I booked both a massage and an Augustinus Bader facial, and it was exactly what I needed! The space is beautiful, and the facial was one of the best I have had in a while. I did a skin analysis, which looks at aging, undertones, and areas to focus on, followed by the Luminous facial. Three hours of pure bliss, new Augustinus Bader products, and a gentle reminder that spending on experiences is ALWAYS worth it!

III. Investment Pieces and Almost Purchases

As a stylist, exploring fashion in Paris is always a treat! It is part of my work to see the collections, discover new brands, and observe what is happening on the streets and in stores. On this trip, I was not exactly working, if that is even a real thing!!! My brain is always connecting everything awesome I see to my clients.

That said, this time, I had my own shopping list to focus on. I have been working intentionally on my wardrobe for a while now, getting to a place where I prioritize strong investment pieces that I can keep forever and style in multiple ways, rather than chasing quantity or trends.

My shopping list was actually very simple: a great coat, a black everyday bag that is not too big, a few pieces with interesting shapes, the Louise Carmen notebook, and a dress for New Year’s Eve.

What I invested in:

What almost came home with me:

IV. What I Wore

Paris was freezing, I was on my own, and comfort was a priority. I needed shoes I could walk in for hours and outfits that felt cozy. No perfect photos this time, just outfits that truly worked!

V. Musings on Solo Time

As I mentioned before, I truly value my solo time. It can look like a solo trip, like this one, but it is also very present in my day to day, like my morning routine, non-negotiable meditation and breathwork practice, prompt journaling, and taking the time to set clear goals for the days ahead.

I don’t want to make this too profound, although I am very much a “give me all the depth” person! We live in a time where everything moves super fast and information and expectations are constantly coming at us, and I would say that creating space to ground and be with yourself is a life matter! Taking time to get clear, to understand who you really are, and what you actually want and makes you happy, should be a priority!

If you ask me how I got to the life and vision I am creating right now, my answer would be yes, I prepare myself, and yes, I work A LOT. But none of it would be possible without being grounded in who I am and what I bring to the table (both highs and lows!!!), and without the constant inner work I continue to do. And it all starts with self-exploration!

So this is just my gentle way to nudge you to make solo time a priority. Whether that looks like a daily ritual, or a quick solo trip to Paris!

Talk soon,
A.R.T.

We just got back from 10 days in the Balearic Islands — and oh, it was so beautiful and so much FUN! We spent most of our days cruising between islands on a yacht with friends, and a few on land in Mallorca, from a 24hs spa retreat in the mountains to strolls through Palma.

As I was posting about the trip, I got your questions about the vacation outfits — so it felt like the perfect time to hop back on Substack and share a full roundup of Every Outfit I Packed (and Actually Wore) during our time in Spain.

Dissh dresses for days!!!

The effortless and cool vibe of the Australian brand Dissh made their dresses a go-to for this trip, together with some of my favorite accessories for the season (and beyond!).

In the styling world, accessories are one of the most powerful tools. When used with intention, they can completely shift the mood of an outfit, whether you want to elevate it, dress it down, or add a little something-something! A statement earring, necklace, or bracelet is one of the easiest ways to have fun and explore different styles, especially during the summer.

Look 1
A baby blue dress moment with silver accessories: Juju Vera necklace, Ben-Amun earrings, and a full bracelet stack - including one of my forever favorites, the Elsa Peretti bone cuff.

Look 2
The black lace dress of my dreams. I paired it with the Sylvia Toledano gold cuff, The Row’s bare sandals, and a mini Chanel bag (v. good bag option).

Same dress, same styling intention—two different looks!

Look 3
The Milano dress in black, styled with a stunning necklace I found in Ibiza (try this, or this!), vintage gold earrings (similar), and vintage Céline sunnies (similar).

Look 4
The Milano dress in white, styled with another gorgeous necklace from the Julietta x Moda Operandi collab, Miu Miu sunglasses, the Loro Piana L19 bag (love this option), and Oran flats.

More dresses and fits…

Look 5
I’ve had this dress for four or five years now, and I reach for it every summer. That’s always a good sign—either a smart investment or just a piece you truly love and feel great in. Rat & Boa green dress (similar in red, similar in green), vintage earrings, and vintage sunglasses.

Look 6
The most comfortable outfit for walking around Palma de Mallorca. A linen top paired with my favorite Nation LA linen pants (ANA15 for 15% off), Chloé jelly sandals, Saint Laurent bag, and Janessa Leone hat. Ps: I just bought the black version of this top

Not pictured, but definitely worth sharing!

1. For cover-ups, I brought a bunch of cute options but ended up mostly wearing linen sets—they’re just so comfortable and chic, especially when you’re spending the day on a boat and going in and out of the water. They feel easy but still put-together, and honestly, they’re a great alternative to the usual printed cover-ups (you know the ones—great, just not totally me). That said, for a special lunch one day, I went with this gorgeous crochet option from Same.

2. The Row raffia bag: most worn bag of the summer so far! Both during the trip and as my everyday summer bag back home. I know it’s an investment for raffia, but considering how much I’ve worn it, it’s more than paid off.

3. This Siedres mini linen dress is adorable and fits so well. I’m petite and it hits just right (true mini).

4. I wore this WNU linen set as a cover-up during the trip, but I’ve also styled it with a blazer and Chanel ballet flats for a fitting day in NYC, and I can’t wait to dress it up with heels and great accessories. For context, I discovered With Nothing Underneath during a trip to London and on my first visit to their store, I left with eight pieces. They focus on high-quality basics that are easy to mix, match, and style in lots of different ways. Definitely worth checking out their site.

5. Another linen set, but this I bought while in Ibiza—it was a bit of a rediscovery moment for Calzedonia. We were walking through Old Town looking for bikinis, went into the store, and all of us left with full bags. The prices are amazing and the quality totally holds up. Pictured here: the linen shirt, but I also got the pants.

6. Calzedonia bikini (top, bottom)

7. I brought only two hats with me: the Janessa Leone straw (linked above), and a custom Ryan Ramelow, which is probably my favorite hat ever. He has ready-to-wear online, but I highly recommend visiting his NYC store and doing made-to-order.

8. I probably wore these Toteme flip flops every signle day during our trip. Again, nothing beats that comfy-chic combo!

9. Okay, I need a moment for the Longchamp expandable travel bag. It saves my life on every single trip (ladies, think extra space for shopping!). I also always bring it when I’m working. It’s amazing for fittings and red carpet prep.

10. This G. Label mini dress is a gem! The fit is 10/10, and it’s just the perfect little black dress vibe!

That’s it for now, team—let me know if I forgot anything. See you on the next one 🤍

xx, Ana

A couple of days ago, I got a DM asking how to style the COS white long sleeve I keep posting about! I absolutely love the fit, quality, and versatility. It’s a classic piece, but the open rounded long sleeves and curved side seams give it that special touch.

I’ve shared some casual looks with it before on my Instagram ootd, so here are three ways to elevate this staple for fall/winter:

Look 1

Some of my current favorite pieces, styled together!

Look 2

Such an effortless yet chic outfit. And by effortless, I mean all the staple pieces coming together in an intentional way. In styling, an ‘effortless look’ actually requires a lot of thought and intention (but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated!).

Look 3

All the classics working together in one outfit. Black blazer, black trousers, and a white tee. Staples are staples for a reason!

That’s it for today! Let me know in the comments if there are any other pieces you'd like help styling, and let’s make this a weekly series. 😊

Sending love and happy styling!

Ana R Thornton

And what better way to kick things off than with a COS takeover? Nearly every piece I was drawn to this week was from them (if you follow along on Instagram, you may have spotted some of these being styled on repeat!), so I figured, why not make it an all-COS feature? With both quality and price on point, COS is a great choice when building a capsule wardrobe. Let’s dive into the picks I believe deserve a spot in your closet!

The COS Edit:

I am always leaning towards a smart wardrobe concept, a few pieces that can be styled in multiple ways. For this edit, I focused on fall/winter essentials and classic neutrals, with a pop of Bordeaux and some v.good bags to elevate the mix!

A few highlights:

• The Longline Wool Pea Coat is such a good coat option for fall/winter, specially if you are looking for a more fitted style. If you’re petite like me, you probably know the struggle with oversized styles often being way too oversized for our height and proportions. After trying a few from COS, this was the keeper! And for my non-petite ladies, this will be a perfect straight-fit coat option.

• The Shearling Jacket is so good! Soft and high-quality—I can’t wait to style it when the temperatures drop.

• The Tailored Wool Pants might be my favorite pants across all brands that have a similar price point. The fit is amazing—trust me on this one!

• The Bags: If you’re looking for high-quality leather bags without compromising your bank account (think The Row or Toteme styles at a fraction of the price), COS has your back. My favorites: Tote Bag Mini and Regular size, Oversized Clutch , and The Draped Crossbody.

Now, let’s get to styling!

Three perfect outfits for Fall/Winter days—whether you're heading to work, running errands, grabbing coffee with a friend, or going for a city stroll.

Look 1: Shearling Jacket ; Fluid Denim ; Long Sleeve Tee ; Ballet Flats ; Crossbody Bag

Look 2: Coat ; Fluid Denim ; Long Sleeve Tee ; Ballet Flats ; Tote Bag ; Scarf

Look 3: Tailored Pants ; Long Sleeve Tee ; Shearling Jacket ; Ballet Flats ; Tote Bag Large

And three go-to looks for date nights, dinner parties, and end-of-year gatherings:

Look 1: Coat ; Tailored Pants ; Off-the-shoulder Top ; Belt ; Slingback

Look 2: Sweater ; Tailored Pants ; Clip-on Earrings ; Oversized Clutch ; Slingback

Look 3: Bordeaux Sweater ; Tailored Pants ; Belt ; Slingback ; Large Tote Bag

How I wore some of these pieces over the past week:

Look 1: The Long Sleeve Tee styled for an In-Person Closet Edit Session.

Look 2: The Fluid Denim styled for WFH and errands.

Look 3: The coziest Wool Sweater styled for a dinner out with friends.

Look 4: The Off-the-shoulder Wool Top and the Bordeaux Belt styled for a date night with my husband.

For future editions, I will do my best to keep it to 3-5 items each week—but I couldn’t resist sharing a few extra COS finds this time!

As always, feel free to reach out with any styling questions or if you’re curious about hot to integrate these pieces into your wardrobe—I’m here to help.

Until next time,
Ana R Thornton

Let’s start with the packing: I packed "wrong" for Paris Fashion Week this time. It was cold, and I didn’t bring any coats or heavier jackets. PS: Last September, I was literally wearing shorts, so the cold snap was totally unexpected! But that’s how travel goes sometimes—you’ve just got to adapt. In this case: layering and shopping for new jackets!

I actually have a formula for smart packing (just ask my clients!). The goal is to pack everything you need without overpacking. The key? It’s all about the intention behind styling your outfits. How many days and nights are you planning for? What key events do you need to prepare for? Which pieces can you style multiple ways?

When I help clients pack for a trip, we go through a detailed list of questions and priorities before we even start planning and styling. It’s about making sure every choice is intentional and well thought out.

That said, I brought a few staples on this trip that truly saved the day. Honestly, with these pieces (and a few more!), you could have outfits for months if styled smartly. Let me share them with you!

1. Wide-leg fluid denim pants: Comfy yet polished!

2. Colby Pants: I wore these day and night—such a versatile staple, easy to dress up or down. (Use code ANA10 at checkout for 10% off)

3. Black denim: A fall/winter essential. I love this denim so much that I’ve bought it in almost every color!

4. White tee: The perfect layering piece.

5. Long-sleeve tee: Another great layering piece—I basically wore this style every day under my sweaters. (Use code ANA15 at checkout for 15% off)

6. Single-breasted blazer: No explanation needed—this one speaks for itself!

   (Option 1 ; Option 2)

7. Double-breasted blazer: It might seem similar to the single-breasted option, but trust me, having both gives you a wider range of styling options (posting some looks soon—you’ll see!). [Option 1 ; Option 2]

8. Grey cardigan [Option 1 ; Option 2]

9. Brown sweater

10. Black oversized cardigan

11. Striped sweater: I adore this sweater and have it in a few colors. Perfect length and fit. (Use code ANA10 at checkout for 10% off)

Here are a few outfit combinations for you to try at home:

• Fluid grey denim + long sleeve tee + grey cardigan + single breasted blazer over the shoulder + boots or loafers

• Colby pants + brown sweater + brown pumps (or black!)

• Black denim + white tee + double breasted blazer + chunkier chain necklace

• Colby pants + tee + sneakers + blazer or sweater over your shoulders

• Black denim + double breasted blazer (buttoned) + high heel boots

I could keep going, but now it’s your turn! Scroll back to the '11-Piece Neutral Capsule Collection' and mix and match to create your own unique styling combinations!

Some outfits I wore in Paris:

1- With just this base—black denim, a white tee, and a single-breasted black blazer—you can create endless outfits simply by switching up accessories. For this look, I went with a The Row Bag, Khaite Belt, and Chanel slingback.

2- Colby pants, long-sleeve tee, and brown sweater (all linked above) paired with a field jacket , Samba sneakers , and one of my all-time favorite bags— the Bottega Venetta Andiamo.

3- Again, working the layers with the long sleeve tee and the oversized black cardigan. I styled this with denim (a favorite) and added a red sweater for a pop of color.

4- This outfit was a win! I wore it to a few shows and walked around for a whole day nonstop—comfy yet polished and fun! Fluid grey denim, the grey cardigan, leather jacket , The Row bag, and a pop of burgundy with Chanel shoes.

5- f you've been following along, you know I love turning double-breasted blazers into dresses—perks of being petite! Just add tights and knee-length boots and you’re ready for date night. In this case, it was perfect to attend the Balmain show and after party!

These are just a few examples, but I truly rotated between the 11 staples listed above throughout the entire trip. At least two of those pieces made it into my OOTD every time!

Hopefully, this gives you a little inspiration to make the most out of your wardrobe staples this fall!

Have fun experimenting with different combinations, and remember, it’s all about versatility and intention. If you need help creating your own capsule wardrobe or packing for your next trip, I’d love to help you out!

Until next time, happy styling!

xo,
Ana R Thornton

Staying true to my personal style—what I like to call “classic but make it cool”—here’s a roundup of my favorite shows, standout looks, and what I can’t wait to wear on the next season:

Tailoring

If you know me, you know tailored looks will always have my heart. And when it comes to tailoring, Saint Laurent is at the top of the list. Their show opened with a lineup of suits and tailored pieces with that unmistakable YSL vibe—oversized yet effortlessly sleek, perfectly styled with accessories like statement glasses and bold cuffs.

Next up is an Atlein look that I’m completely obsessed with and can’t wait to wear! I was at their show in Paris, and although they’re known for their gorgeous draped dresses, this particular outfit was the one that truly wowed me.

And of course, after seeing a lot of oversized, modern shapes, I had to include a sleek, tailored suit from Zuhair Murad. Give me a crisp white double-breasted blazer and wide-leg tailored pants, and I’m in (tailoring) heaven!

Transparency

I dare say it showed up in nearly 100% of the collections, and I’m all for it! When styled right and balanced with the right pieces, transparency creates a feminine, sexy, yet elegant look. Here are a few standouts:

Hermès absolutely nailed it! The outfits were stunning, and the styling was pure perfection. Chanel also embraced transparency in a classy, timeless way—as expected! And Chloé incorporated transparent elements in almost every look. With Chemena’s signature boho vibe, it all felt so romantic and effortless.

Bags

I love a good bag—I mean, who doesn’t?!! Hard to pick, but… Oversized bags and clutches (tucked under the arm) are still going strong, and I love the contrast they bring to an outfit. Chanel and Miu Miu absolutely nailed it. On the flip side, I’m also obsessed with smaller clutches, and I can’t wait to wear Chanel’s new design and Chloé’s leather shell!

Hermés highlight, because why not! Big YES to everything.

Other looks and pieces I can’t wait to wear…

1.Balmain: I love a good black tailored pant, and this one was stunning both on the runway and in the showroom. Such great styling inspo: black trousers, a silk top, a big clutch, and some statement jewelry.

2.Schiaparelli: This outfit was so good—perfect as a set, but imagine it styled as separates! Schiaparelli always brings exaggerated shapes, and while we love every bit of it, translating them into everyday looks can be tricky. But this one is perfect for taking straight from the runway to real life.

3.Elie Saab: I’m obsessed with the whole vibe… ideal for a boat day that turns into dinner in the Hamptons!

4.Giambattista Valli: This feminine look brings the perfect balance between classy and sexy. The color, the fabric, slight peplum top, and extra-short shorts were gorgeous in person, and I can’t wait to wear it!

5.Chloé: And again, the styling is on point! A fluid white suit paired with a sheer lace top and the right accessories—so chic!

6.Lacoste: Another beautiful, easy summer dress that will be perfect for the season. I’m also loving the brown (chocolate brown isn’t going anywhere soon!) paired with green on the bag and necklace. By the way, I’m really into what Lacoste brought this season-excited to see more chic vibes from the French house.

7.Chloé: A moment for these high-waisted wide-leg jeans—I need a pair, like, right now!

8.Elie Saab: This dusty, safari-chic outfit is an absolute dream!

Last but not least, I’m so excited to wear all the amazing jewelry the brands showcased—especially Saint Laurent, Chloé, and Chanel.

I could keep going, but I guess we will chat more about SS 2025 when the time comes! Can’t wait to dive into Fall/Winter fashion with you in the next posts—closet staples, shopping lists, styling tips, and more.

See you soon!

xo,
Ana R Thornton