^{Image, courtesy of Stephanie Mariano, founder of Tau Studio, in her Bushwick piercing studio}

We all have a season when the idea of a new piercing resonates most strongly. For Michelle Obama, it was earlier this year at 61, when she got 10 piercings in one sitting. For me—not counting my first set as a kid—it was in 2012, when body adornments punctuated the Chanel and Givenchy runways, and I took part in a Vogue.com story to try out the “trend” in the name of fashion journalism. I’ve been steadily adding and removing piercings ever since.

Some will tell you curating an ear stack after 40 is the mark of a midlife crisis. But Michelle Obama would likely say, when they go low, just get some more piercings.

Celebrity piercer Stephanie Mariano describes it as “an act of becoming.” And as the woman behind Rihanna and Mary J. Blige’s ear stacks, she should know.

I first met Stephanie at a piercing studio launch in 2024, where she gave me this dainty conch addition (below, top right). And while I have plans for more, I was setting off for a beach-centered summer when she invited me to visit Tau, her newly opened boutique. So, instead of making holes, she threaded tassels and charms onto my existing studs to add a little pazazz (below, far right).

^{left: getting pierced for Vogue.com in 2012 // top right: a piercing Stephanie gave me in 2024 // below right: Stephanie adding charms to my existing piercings today}

As Rhianna would no doubt tell you, Stephanie’s no ordinary piercer. She draws on her Taino and Mexican heritage—which treats body modification as a way to mark identity, mourning and celebration—and for the better part of a decade has sought to turn the act into something meaningful rather than trend-led. Her clients span all ages, from 18-year-olds marking the start of adulthood, to mothers, whose kids have flown the nest. Whatever your age, she’ll make your ears look pretty, and she’ll do it with precision and care.

^{clockwise from top left: just one is enough to make an impact, if it’s in the right spot—single tragus diamond piercing / love this dainty little serenity ear piercing set with diamonds /since most of my wardrobe leans monochrome, I’ve been really loving the idea of colorful jewelry. And this colorful gemstone ear piercing cluster is gorgeous / this trio ear piercing set is pretty without being overwhelming / for evenings where you want to make a statement, this large hoop & diamond pairing fits the bill / the same earring, worn in ever-larger sizes, is such an impactful way for minimalists to get this done—curated diamond ear stack close-up}

Below, Stephanie shares her journey, breaks down how to build a look that lasts, and explains why she believes there’s never a wrong time to start.

PLUS, an end of summer piercing offer, for anyone ready to add to their own stack…

— The Interview —

How long have you been piercing for?

It’s been 10 years now. I’ve been obsessed with piercings since I was a teenager, and as soon as I left high school, I started working. I’ve never had a “normal” job.

How did you train?

I cold-called tattoo shops asking who needed an apprentice, and offered to work for free just to get a foot in. A small shop in the West Village finally said yes, and I’ve been building on that experience ever since.

What drew you to piercing?

Most people find piercing through punk culture, but for me it was rooted in heritage. I’m Taino on one side, an indigenous people of the Dominican Republic, who traditionally used piercing to mark celebration, mourning, and beauty. They were goldsmiths too, which also ties into the quality of materials I like to work with now. My mother’s side is Mexican, which is another culture with a rich history of body modification.

^{Images, with permission, from Stephanie’s instagram: her piercings on Mary J. Blige and Rihanna}

What does the name Tau mean, and is it tied to that heritage?

It’s rumored to mean “hey,” but so much of the Taino language was erased under colonization that I’m not 100% sure. I liked that idea of it as a greeting, and I’m a Taurus, so it stuck. I’ve been holding onto that name since I first started piercing, and waiting to start my own thing.

Now I’m here, my mission has two sides. The first is helping people discover themselves.

Someone might be marking their 18th birthday and their first real claim to body autonomy. Sometimes it’s an older woman who grew up under strict expectations and is finally choosing something purely for herself, a helix, a second lobe, whatever it is.

I want people to celebrate their bodies and find a piece that actually speaks to who they are.

The second part of my mission is safe piercing. Yes, I’m drawing on an ancestral practice, but nothing here is improvised—everything’s sterile, hygienic, and well considered. Tau is about existing in the space between those two ideas.

How do you go about finding someone’s style?

I start with what’s already there. Where are the existing piercings, what’s the spacing like, and where is there room to build. I love reading someone’s ears; if there’s a curve or a shape they’ve felt self conscious about, that’s usually exactly where I want to add a diamond.

Obviously, I ask about their taste too. Do they love gold or silver, lean edgy or elegant, and I use these jewelry wands so people can hold pieces up to their ears in the mirror without anything touching their skin.

I want there to be an emotional connection to the piece, it’s never just a purchase. Getting pierced is exciting, but the real payoff is when a client goes home and can’t stop looking at it.

^{Images, with permission, from Stephanie’s instagram: Coco & Breezy with new piercings by Stephanie.}

Tell me about the materials you use.

The quality is really important to me. I use implant grade titanium, which is the same biocompatible material used in surgical implants, and is completely hypoallergenic. A lot of people are sensitive to certain metals and this cuts out a lot of the issues. When it comes to gold pieces, everything’s sourced from professional body jewelry companies and is always nickel free, since nickel is the most common trigger for sensitivity.

I only work with lab grown or ethically sourced diamonds. Spiritually, I don’t want anyone’s suffering behind a piece of jewelry. That energy carries.

I’m equally selective about who I buy from. I look at what a company stands for, whether they speak up on the issues that matter. I want to know that both my money and my client’s money are going somewhere I can stand behind. Everything about Tau is intentional, down to who I choose to work with, the photographers, journalists…it’s in our tagline: honoring bodies through intentional adornment.

You’ve pierced Rihanna and Mary J. Blige. How did that come about?

I worked at a well known studio early on, and some of that came through there. Other clients have found me directly through Instagram. I’ve also pierced Kehlani and the director Taika Waititi, along with a number of influencers and YouTubers, including Nikkietutorials.

In the age of AI, this feels like one of the last genuinely human services.

It really is. There are robots at airports now doing manicures, and I’ve seen ads for tattooing machines that supposedly “chat” with you while they work. You could ask ChatGPT to design your ear and it might even come up with something decent, but where’s the memory in that? The piercings people love most are the ones tied to a moment, a friend, a city, a version of themselves. That human thread is something worth protecting.

^{Images, with permission, from Stephanie's Instagram: her piercings on & Kehlani, who got new piercings & jewelry updates ahead of the CFDA Awards in 2018.}

— Piercing Advice —

^{Images, with permission, from Stephanie’s instagram: Ear-spiration from Stephanie’s past clients.}

• Side sleepers heal fastest with lower lobe piercings, which are less exposed to pressure than cartilage.

• Frequent travelers, swimmers or headphone wearers may want to hold off on a new piercing and instead refresh their existing set with tassels, charms and chains; they’re the easiest way to transform an existing set without committing to new healing time.

• Struggling with pressure at night? Try a neck travel pillow, which cradles the ear in a U shape, can prevent irritation for side sleepers with cartilage piercings.

• Choose quality over quantity. A well chosen piece in implant grade titanium or nickel free gold will outlast several inexpensive ones.

Past Articles of Potential Interest:

^{white shirt // crease front jeans (for a full review of the jeans, read here)}

Time was, when a button-down shirt was simply that: the stiff-collared element to a three-piece-suit puzzle worn to formal events. But as with most things women now can’t live without, we have Coco Chanel to thank for domesticating them. She swiped the shirts from her lover’s back—bespoke ones from Charvet, at that—and worked them into her early women’s collections. Fast forward to today’s boardroom-to-beach mainstays, and while Charvet is still the pinnacle (you can find pre-loved ones here), there’s a host of others floating around with the softness of a t-shirt and details to rival an evening dress.

That may be exciting in theory, but much like the perfect T-shirt or the perfect pair of jeans, finding the perfect button-down shirt in an ocean of contenders can feel like an exhaustive hunt. You’ve seen it in a magazine or, more likely, somewhere on social media, but it was styled just so, worn with a specific something, and now, recreating the look at home (much like trying to maintain a new haircut after the first wash) feels like a feat too far to manage.

It’s wardrobe conundrums like these that get me excited, because there’s no one-size-fits-all eureka shirt that does all the jobs you want it to, meaning the whole debacle requires a bit of an external investigation.

So for the fourth installment in this series (see the first three at the bottom of this article), I roped in some Substackers to offer the lowdown on their favorites, so you can easily find yours.

1.THE TUCKABLE & LAYERABLE SHIRT

side button shirt / jeans / shorts

I’m newly in love with this side-button shirt (above left). I’m slowly embracing more color, and discovered this dusky rose stripe is more flattering on me than blue, or even black. For some reason, classic shades on classic pieces can make me look weirdly corporate, even though I love the idea of wearing a black shirt (more on that from someone who can and does, further down).

This shirt’s so light and airy, it feels cooler than most of my summer tees. It’s 100% Portuguese cotton, has a boxy, drop-shoulder fit, and side-button details that are finished with a grosgrain ribbon trim.

I’ve always gravitated toward longer, leaner pieces on top (see my shirts below), but I’ve also been trying less oversized pieces recently, and liking the results. The shorter length makes it easier to tuck into jeans* (top left), while opening the side vents leaves room to layer it over another shirt without any bunching (top right).

*The jeans are Agolde, but if you’re a size 23 or 28, shop them here so you don’t have to pre-order & wait.

2.THE SUBTLE STATEMENT PIECE

white shirt / striped orange & white shirt

This scarf shirt (top left) feels a touch more casual than a Tuxedo option while riffing on the same idea. It’s by ex-Calvin Klein designer Manel Garcia Espejo, who’s now behind The Salting, with husband, Michael Ward. Everything is made in New York. And while those strings can be tied in a bow, I prefer to leave them loose—that way, they look like a gentleman’s bowtie, left undone, at the end of the evening. (Similar options here, here, here and here).

This Zara shirt (top right) buttons at the back and can be undone at the top and held closed with a button-able string. The pocket sits satisfyingly low at the front, too. I rarely find anything in Zara these days, but this shirt is an anomaly that feels like it came from elsewhere.

3.PLAIDS & STRIPES

In a timely move, considering the pre-fall and fall runways were covered in it, I’ve been pairing plaid shirts with Bermuda shorts this summer. Shirts like this (top left. Warning: it’s final sale, but it’s so good, that if you know your size in this brand it could be perfect) and also this (top middle), or this (top right)—I love the side cut-out detail and blurry print.

4.CLEANING TIPS

For immediate, on-the-sport stain removal, I use this clean-ingredient spray. But for the tricky ones, or marks that can’t get treated til a day or so later, I just go straight in with this and it’s never failed. For any day-to-day shirts, including the Zara one above, I wash in this, hang out to dry and then iron. But for the other shirts pictured here, I drop them off with the dry cleaner to keep them looking crisp; it’s the best way to achieve that smooth, uncreased look.

The Handmade Tuxedo Shirt: of HODGEPODGE

Tell me about your favorite shirt…
For around two years I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect tuxedo shirt. I love that its a step up from a basic button-down, with details that offer more flair and playful styling options. I found the perfect one at Maison Treize, a small brand that hand-makes shirts in Spain. This Opera design stood out because it’s unisex, and that sizing usually gives me the best fit. I like a drop-shoulder and boxier cut, and sizing up in women’s just makes it longer instead of wider. (Find similar options from Jamie Haller here, Ralph Lauren here, or 6397, here).

What’s the fabric composition?
It’s made of 100% natural fibers so it’s a thicker structured cotton like a true tuxedo shirt. The collar and sleeves are super thick and crisp, and the bib is its own separate entity that juts out a bit for great dimension.

How do you style it?
My secret sauce is juxtaposition. So, I’ll pair this formal shirt with a catfish-bottom gym short, or lean into traditional formal styling and make a true “tuxedo” of it. Since it naturally reads more masculine, I love styling it to feel more feminine.

How do you wash and take care of it?
Honestly, I haven’t washed it yet. I’m a firm believer we wash our clothes too much, and I’m only in it for a few hours at a time. Most of my “clothes clothes” don’t make it into weekly laundry; I take them to the dry cleaner once a month or hand wash as needed in the bathtub. If there’s a stain, I spot clean.

The White Boyfriend Shirt: Robyn Merrett of

Tell me about your favorite shirt…
I live for oversized silhouettes. It’s the easiest way to capture ease, especially in a button-up. They’re versatile, classic, and timeless. Mine is the Max White Cotton Shirt from Dissh, one of my favorite brands for elevated basics. I got it about two years ago, so it’s sold out now (similar version here). I’m on the curvier side, and the way it hits around my hips rather than covering my figure gives me relaxed structure while still letting my body shine.

What’s the fabric composition?
It’s lightweight but not flimsy, and always feels crisp, which is nice paired with capris or baggy jeans, because there’s still shape and structure. It washes well and hasn’t lost its form. It’s a crisp white and hasn’t dulled despite the amount of times I’ve washed and dry-cleaned it. I usually have to size up for the fit I want, but I didn’t need to with this one.

How do you style it?
I dress it up, I dress it down: capris and thong sandals, baggy jeans with ballet flats, leather pants and strappy heels, even a bikini with linen pants. I credit its versatility to its shape. You can’t go wrong with a button-up that has a little structure but isn’t starch-stiff.

How do you wash and take care of it?
I do wash at home and immediately hang it up occasionally, but find dry cleaning works best.

The Colorful Weekend Shirt: of HAUTEWORTHY

Tell me about your favorite shirt…
I like my shirt to look stolen from my lover’s wardrobe. It has to have a masculine cut, never darted or fitted. Right now I’m loving the LMND Chiara classic shirt in Ink Blue, a very Celine color-coded shade (this Jamie Haller version is similar). I have it in a ton of colors, and, of course, in white.

What’s the fabric composition?
It’s 100% cotton and the perfect summer weight. I like how it’s slightly oversized with a drop shoulder and a bit of volume in the back. It finishes right on the hip, and has a yoke that dips down slightly at the back.

How do you style it?
It’s a great length for tucking and I usually wear it tucked in. I hate when shirts are really long and you end up trying to force all this excess fabric into your pants; you just end up looking bulky. The shape is very 80s. The sleeves look great pushed or rolled, and the patch pocket adds a relaxed feel. It’s loose but structured enough to wear over a roll neck in winter. The blue is the perfect Charvet-coded shade and it’s so versatile that I’ve worn it on the beach and to a fashion show in Paris.

How do you wash and take care of it?
Since it’s a less precious shirt, I machine wash on cold with a small amount of The Laundress detergent, and I like Dr Beckman for stain remover products. I save dry cleaning for my silk shirts and prefer a gentle cold wash whenever possible. To avoid makeup stains, I spray the inside collar with hairspray, and I always iron with spray starch for a crisp finish.

The Affordable Black Shirt: of JESSICA’S SUBSTACK

Tell me about your favorite shirt…
My overall pick is Gap’s Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt. The price is right and the fit is a classic: intentionally oversized and slightly longer, which suits my preference for relaxed over tailored. I wear it as a shirt in warmer months but also as an easy cover-up at the lake, pool, or beach. I stay true to size for the oversized look, and it’s become a great pregnancy piece without feeling like maternity-wear.

What’s the fabric composition?
It’s 100% organic cotton, so ultra breathable without feeling flimsy, with enough substance that it isn’t sheer, and it softens nicely with wear. It gives me the look and versatility I want from a button-down without requiring a major investment, especially since Gap runs such good sales.

How do you style it?
I’ve worn it to dinner, on casual weekends, while traveling, unbuttoned and tied in a knot, and as a beach cover-up. It’s one of those pieces that can become whatever you need it to be.

How do you wash and take care of it?
For stains, I use Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater before washing. I machine-wash with like colors in cold water using Charlie’s Soap, then dry for just a few minutes to warm and relax the fabric before hanging it to dry, and reshaping the collar, cuffs, and hem while still damp. If any areas are especially wrinkled, I mist them with water and smooth them out before hanging. It keeps the shirt looking crisp without having to dry-clean or fully iron it every time.

The Shirtdress As Coverup: Noëlly Sam of The Corageus Letter

^{similar shirtdress, here / similar shirt, here}

Tell me about your favorite shirt…
There isn’t just one—I love a crisp white or light blue Oxford shirt, oversized and 100% cotton. I like the options from COS, Uniqlo, and Arket (which you can sometimes snag through Asos in the US).

Which details draw you in?
I can rarely resist an asymmetrical detail, a scarf or tie, an open back or long cuffs. Length is also a big factor for me, especially with shirtdresses. The blue one I’m wearing (pictured) has panels at the back that almost look like wings (no longer available, but this Comme Si one is perfect).

How do you style it?
I love the endless possibilities of a good shirt. I wear it loose with jeans, cinched with barrel pants, or layered over a dress.

How do you wash and take care of it?
With natural fabrics, which I prefer, a delicate wash and air drying go a long way. This is the natural detergent I use, and I always skip fabric softener. For mild stains, I’ll use a little baking soda and hand wash the area rather than reaching for bleach. Acting quickly always helps!

Standout Shirts

If you’re looking for COLOR:

• This blue shirt is very Charvet-like, and crafted from the softest cotton.

If you’re looking for a good STRIPE:

• The perfect wide striped shirt if ever there was one, with a relaxed fit made from 100% cotton (size down for a less oversized look).

• Loose, easy with a slim, stripe, this shirt is called the Weekender, because that’s exactly what it’s perfect for.

If you’re looking for something CLASSIC:

• Lean and loose, this one was named one of Wirecutter’s favorites last year.

If you’re looking for interesting DETAILS:

• With a luxe feel (read: stiff out of the box) it boasts clean French seams, with extra long cuffs that are easy to turn up. But if left down, will add a lovely bit of drama.

• I find it hard to resist an exaggerated cuff and this red shirt with tiny white stripes (hard to see in this pic!) is really showing off in that department. It’s 100% Italian linen and can be ordered made-to-measure, along with a monogramming option.

Shop everything on Shopmy, here

HOW TO STYLE BUTTON DOWN SHIRTS NOW (NOT THEN)

1. A crisp white shirt can come across as a little serious, and, maybe even dull. But partner yours with boxer shorts, instead of whatever you’d usually reach for, and you get a subtle, modern spin.

2. This one is simple, but easy to forget. Just accessorize with some artful pieces. Keep the neckline clean, so the collar is the only detail, and do a go-big-or-go-home situation with your ears…and maybe, if you’re brave enough, your nose.

3. Layering shirts (like I did in the first image) adds an additional warming layer in early to mid fall, pushing out your need for a sweater until later into the season. Picking two identical shirts doesn’t have the same impact as the color and pattern play on display here—but stick to a color wheel. Earthy greens and browns in stripes and/or different checks, is slightly more casual, while a blue and white stripe layered with the same in reverse, leans more polished.

4. A cinch-waist shirt is obviously flattering, but it’s also more elevated, which makes it the perfect counterpoint to a dressy skirt or pants—fringed, printed, or with some kind of texture that encourages them into evening territory.

5. A little juxtaposition goes a long way. As is the case with the look top left. Wearing a checked shirt over a graphic t-shirt is such a nostalgic grunge move. But when the t-shirt’s a crisp, plain, high-neck crew and the shirt has echoes of a Chanel-Charvet Tuxedo design, it feels thoroughly fresh and of-the-moment.

6. Play with color and texture in as less obvious a way as you feel comfortable with. Forest green is one of the lesser-seen button downs I’ve come across, which makes it the perfect antidote to these taffeta Bermuda shorts.

7. Make it the popping color accent of your look, whatever that may be.

8. This is the same deal as No.3, but with pinstripes, so you can contrast the casual vs polished look.

Everything is shoppable through Shopmy, here

found a real one

This year, summer didn’t start til August. My whole family had been dreaming of it since the depths of a snow-covered February that appeared to never end. But now the kids’ camps are over, us parents are OOO, and we’re all languishing in the un-Hamptons part of Long Island we’ve ritually visited for a decade.

A large part of this little village’s appeal is its proximity to the city, friendly inter-generational community, and ever-growing stretch of coffee shops, boutiques and farms. One store in particular stands out among the rest. Perhaps because my good friend, Annelies, initially opened it, before moving across several continents. Like its inaugural owner, the store has undergone many guises, which we’ve witnessed throughout our summer tenures. The one constant: it houses some of the most desirable basics (that word really undersells them) outside of the city.

More on those, along with everything listed in the title, ahead.

SUMMER COVERUPS: 1. ELBOW LENGTH TEES

^{clockwise from top left: black tee / grey tee/ white tee/ black tee / navy layered on top tee / main image: white tee}

As someone who grew up frolicking in the rain and dodging crashing waves on the shores of the Welsh and Cornish beaches, jeans and long sleeve tops have long been a summer mainstay. And even after 20 years stateside, nothing makes me feel more at home or at ease than a well-made t-shirt with an elongated sleeve.

While the heat’s cranked up in the past couple of days, it was a surprisingly mild start to the month, which started with a downpour, and moved into breezier afternoons and evenings. Other days felt like they’d reached boiling point. The erratic-ness of it all has felt like the perfect excuse for an early 2000s reprise: the non-committal elbow sleeve t-shirt. While the originals were often tight fitting, ribbed, maybe a Henley style, many of today’s updates have a looser, more neutral, almost early 80s vibe. Some standouts, above.

SUMMER COVERUPS: 2. LONG SLEEVE TEES

^{ruffled top (the un-Hamptons version of smart-casual) / the casual fit on this navy sailor top is lovely. It’s drapey, with a couldn’t-care-less wide collar, and boxy-ish fit / high v-neck, extra long & wide-sleeved top (it’s quite like the Beare Park Margot Robbie airport top. The relaxed fit is incredibly comfortable with a shape that offers a little bit extra) / relaxed white top (cooling side vents, the touch & feel is the same deal as the pants I bought, mentioned above & worn here) / high crewneck top (I cannot overstate how comfortable this is. It’s so soft and the fit is loose but not too loose. It’s perfection) /}

If you don’t like to do things by halves, are thinking ahead to fall, or need a barrier between your major organs and your husband’s ice-cold AC, a long sleeve t-shirt is a smart summer staple. Pull on as the headliner for a silk or taffeta pant outfit, or throw over a slip dress when the evening breeze kicks in. Mine, naturally, tend to lean black, but there’s no better time to go wild with a classic stripe, or flip the script with an all cream version, if you’re feeling spicy.

OUT-OF-THE-CITY BASICS (SAME AS NORMAL BASICS, BUT WITH COLOR)

^{Left: sweater / shorts // Right: Balloon sweatpants}

If anything says I’m not in the city, it’s blush pink clothing or a pajama-like sweater and shorts set (temperature-wise it’s confusing). Both of these outfits caught my eye in that store I mentioned in the intro. You’d be hard pressed to find anything that fits the all-black or all-grey palette I’m accustomed to. So here I am, considering blush sweatpants (above right) of all things, knowing full well they won’t stay anything close to that shade back in the city.

They’re organic cotton with this satisfyingly rough finish and a gently ballooning arc. And the hemline—it’s a loosely elasticated, swishy thing, that hovers perfectly around my ankles—is ideal with a shirt and low heel sandals. They are the perfect logoless, retro-feel alts for anyone who falls in the age bracket above the Free City revival (yes, fashion is ageless, wear what you want, etc, but sometimes, you just don’t want to go back, and that’s fine, too).

The abbreviated sweatsuit (above left) momentarily convinced me that I might be a shorts person. But it abruptly ended when I turned around and was confronted with my leg veins.

Update: my mom, who’s here visiting, talked me into the blush pants, assuring me “trying new things is good for the soul.” So let’s see how that pans out in September, living on a polluted two-way street in NYC. For now, they’re perfection. And, more mom advice: “you can just dye* them black when you get home.” Then my pants can also be in on the trying a new thing tip. And, at the moment, for multiple reasons, I can’t fathom how to argue with that logic.

THE BEAUTY LINEUP

^{sunscreen / mascara / perfume / tinted moisturizer / bisou balm}

I gave myself over to a seismic beauty routine earlier this year. I’ve always been a soap and moisturizer person, but the further my thirties fade into the distance, the more my bathroom shelf accumulates—I brought a two-bag situation out here this year (Unheard of, but I’m trying out two different beauty routines that I’ll report back on another time).

So here’s everything that’s officially tried-and-tested and been a part of my routine for a year or more (the mascara is a newer addition, but honestly, one evening with a mascara tells you whether it’s for you or not):

• I’ve always found foundation to be too thick and intense looking. Saie’s slip tint is my year round go-to. In fact, all of the pieces in the image above are constants:

• This perfume is light enough to wear in summer, but has some kind of deeper note that makes it feel fall appropriate, too.

• I love the feel of GWS and layer it on top of my Saie.

• The Ilia mascara—travel size only, no one gets through a full-size tube before the 3 month hygiene cut-off date—is the only one that doesn’t end up under my eyes at the end of the day.

• And Violette’s Bisou Balm is an incredibly moisturizing lipstick, it feels more like a lip balm (I guess the clue’s in the name). I love that it’s buildable so works for daytime appointments or evening dinners, depending on how much I apply.

FRIZZ-TAMING HAIR CARE ROUTINE

^{silk hair ties / silk ion pillow case / styling cream / oi milk / root touch ups / shampoo & conditioner}

Hair. Oh, dear God. I straightened mine from the age of 13, and when I discovered GHD ceramic straighteners, my friends might have been the only people more relieved than I was (hair moans significantly decreased following the constant British downpours from thereon out).

Anyway, these days I rarely blow dry it, and either leave it curly, or slick it back into a low bun. Gone are the days of just using whatever is closest to hand. My type B-ness is subconsciously creeping into A territory. Now I have a lexicon of essentials, starting with Davines Love shampoo and conditioner, which I’ve used for about 17 years…same for the Oi Milk. If you have frizz prone hair, there is literally nothing else as effective. Nothing. I’m not a huge fan of the Roz line, it’s just too cleansing for my fine hair and leaves it looking more frazzled, but the Evergreen cream is the exception. It tames flyaways, is perfect if you’re wearing slick back styles and smells like a high-end perfume. My DP Hue has to come away with me now; it’s a bimonthly application situation these days and, if I could just reach all of the back layers of hair, I probably wouldn’t ever need to color it at the salon.

Clementine is a top notch silk company, started by my friend, Anna. I’ve been sleeping on her Silver Ion Infused silk pillowcase for over a year now, and I can confirm, it significantly cuts down on morning face creases, while the pure silk hair ties are gentle on delicate or thinning tresses. I know there are other silk companies out there, but they seem a little mass produced and therefore untrustworthy. Anna’s was born out of a health issue that required nothing short of the real deal and, I can confidently confirm, that’s what she offers.

shop the clothes edit, here & the beauty/hair edit, here.

Read more

For both at-home personal training sessions and Pilates Reformer classes I’ve wriggled into a rush-bought pair of problematic Pact leggings* and an old Frankie Shop tee (I know, that’s why we’re here). And since I consider dressing well a form of self-care, this sorry getup desperately needed a speedy upgrade.

Cue my laser-focused hunt for a new workout wardrobe.

Like any new clothing purchase, this one needs to tick some boxes. It obviously has to look right, shouldn’t make me feel self-conscious, and needs some serious staying power (i.e. no embarrassing tears or unraveling threads).

^{From left: yoga pants / shorts & hoodie / track pants, long tee & tank / tartan jacket & leggings / jacket tee & shorts}

Unsurprisingly, as someone who spends an inordinate amount of time on social media (for work), Literary Sport has my attention. Their full-length leggings, merino mesh tees and soft sweatpants (see above) definitely pass the aesthetic test. Same for Jamie Haller’s retro-feel athletic shorts and butter-soft hoodies. But, truth be told, I’m a little shy about a leg reveal away from the pool. Then there’s Ayr’s billowy track shorts (only a few left, but these are similar) and matching jacket, which look far too good to peel off after a sweat session—but again, shorts.

Anyway, above are all the options I’ve been mulling over (should I reveal my legs, for me, or no?). But with limited firsthand experience of rigorous workout-outfit testing (and a hunch that other nascent exercisers on this app might appreciate the insider intel too), I leaned into my fashion reporter instincts and asked women well versed in putting athletic-wear through its paces to share their advice.

Ahead, a slew of sporty Substackers—runners, hikers, pilates lovers, and weight lifters—reveal the brands and pieces they love; plus, some very necessary tricks for keeping sweat stains and odors at bay.

^{*So, those Pact leggings. I got them because they’re 100% organic cotton and I didn’t want to sweat in plastic. They came in a pack of two and the first pair split in an embarrassing spot (gah!). The other pair remains in tact, I wear them to class every day. They’re extra long, tight, high rise, but, given their twin’s speedy demise, I live in a constant state of anxiety that they’ll give out at some point during class. I’m honestly not sure if I was just unlucky with that pair, or if the brand isn’t up to the task, but herein lies my search for something I can put on and not worry about.}

of In Out Around

What type of workouts do you do?

I walk 10,000 steps every day, do the Tracy Anderson Method three times a week and Booty by Bret Contreras three times a week, and have one rest day. I wrote more about it all on my Substack.

Tell me about a typical workout outfit?

I look for compressive-but-not-claustrophobic fabrics with interesting details, like high necks, cutout backs, mesh panels, or a print, like this Lululemon snow leopard bra and leggings set.

Do you have any favorite brands?

My go-to is Héros, which was founded by a former stylist and Pilates instructor who uses a compressive eco-tech fabric, but I still hunt eBay and Poshmark for vintage Adam Selman Sport, and occasionally add an Alo bra top or mesh layer. For actual gym sessions, I’m loyal to Beyond Yoga’s bras, shorts and leggings in “Darkest Night,” and I often layer with a quarter-zip or Roucha’s Janssen Jacket.

How do you wash your workout clothes?

Everything I own is machine washable. I’ll add a splash of Tyler Diva Wash with Branch Basics detergent, and always rely on this Japanese stain stick for anything stubborn. Having lived in Barcelona and Paris in my twenties during the 2000s, I picked up the European habit of changing out of gym clothes before running errands, so don’t often wear mine during the day. On the odd occasion that I do, I’ll throw an oxford shirt or my Roucha jacket over the top so I feel more put-together.

Visit Jessica’s Substack here

of To Life With Love

What type of exercise do you do?

I have a personal trainer who, depending on my work/travel schedule, I try to meet with twice a week. I also like to get one or two hikes in, and maybe a pilates class. If I’m traveling, I’ll either use the hotel gym for a quick workout, or if it’s a city that I’m familiar with, like London or NYC, I’ll jump on to ClassPass and take a pilates or yoga class.

Tell me about a typical workout outfit?

I love Adanola right now. They’re super light fitting, and make me feel snatched without any hectic compression. They also pass the roll test. I very much dislike Skims. I tried to love them because they were size inclusive but they’re heavy on the leisure not athletics. I also love the Monday Body Melrose pant, and the Devin bra for hiking and pilates; they’re super comfy, just not for running. I’ve also been loving vintage VS Pink yoga pants from Depop for my hot girl walks.

In terms of fit, I need no front seam, want the fabric to lift my butt a little bit, but not be too tight that I spill out over the top or, when I sit, the fabric rolls and exposes my belly. I had a top once, that when I did a pike, my boobs almost fell out, and I didn’t realize it also turned see-through with sweat during a HOT sculpt class, that wasn’t dimly lit. Sadly, as an owner of bigger boobs, things like that tend to happen. I’m yet to find a good workout bra that looks cute for high impact workouts; maybe I’ll find one here! I’m in between a L/XL, but always size down in leggings, so get an L.

How do you wash your workout clothes?

I do a lot of hot sculpt classes in LA, and I’m just generally a hot sweaty mess. I love the Ded Cool laundry detergent, and pop all my activewear in the wash on cold with it. It always comes out smelling great.

Visit Jennifer’s Substack, here

of Running Wylder

What type of workouts do you do?

I run and do Pilates/sculpt-style workouts with a side of yoga, aiming to move daily just to clear my head. I prefer lighter weights with higher reps over heavy lifting since I end up less sore and tight.

You own a store, so have the intel on this—which brands are your favorites?

Right now, it’s Pruzan for cool, accessible fits made for real female bodies; Copenhagen’s tiny-but-mighty Rytme Sport; and Bandit, whose bras I can’t live without for their pocket storage, even though I mostly wear a bra for social convention rather than support needs. I’m especially loyal to Currently Running—I own multiple elite and pro tops, which read more like a cropped tank than a sports bra, and a pant that I’ve sold to half my friends and have worn everywhere from a run to a fancy Paris dinner to an 11-hour flight home. UNNA rounds it out, both for their striped tees and their linerless tempo short, which doubles as travel gear, beachwear, and a running short.

What makes a piece stand out for you?

The biggest thing I look for isn’t fit specs (my needs are low, I’m an A-cup with no chafing beyond my armpits), it’s whether a piece has personality and fits into my wardrobe rather than making me feel branded head-to-toe.

That frustration is part of why I opened my store: to carry pieces technical enough to genuinely perform on a serious run but styled enough to wear in regular life, because I have zero patience for “performance lifestyle” basics that only look cute for a Saturday pilates class. I wear my true size, even when that means a snugger fit in bras; compression is the point, and sizing up for comfort just means losing support once things get sweaty.

How do you take care of your workout clothes?

Laundry is not precious in my house. Everything gets washed together, it’s survival of the fittest, and I’ll add a splash of white vinegar if there’s lingering odor, especially after travel when air-dried bras hold onto more scent. I wear as much of my activewear out in the world as possible, but I avoid the head-to-toe “athleisure” look.

Visit Katherine’s Substack, here

of Spilling the Tea

What type of workouts do you do?

I'm rediscovering my workout routine after a 15-month hiatus. I was a new mom, drowning in postpartum, and hanging on by a thread, but now my son's older, I have a better grasp on my routine. Right now, I'm loving pilates—I found a studio that offers childcare so I can join a 45 minute class, twice a week. I also walk with my son in his stroller or take an occasional jog. I'm so grateful to live in the PNW where we have access to endless trails; I consider an adventurous hike part of my normal workout routine, and this skort (above right) is taking me backpacking on Mt Hood this weekend.

Tell me about a typical workout outfit?

A great workout outfit totally depends on the activity you’re doing. But let me start by saying this:

I wear the Nike seamless bike shorts and sports bra to workout in. I like them tight with minimal fabric touching my body; a stark contrast from my baggier, personal style. For hiking, I prefer longer shorts or this skort (mentioned above) by Gramicci; I love that the brand offers outdoor wear that doubles as street wear. It’s a good alternative to Patagonia or The North Face.

How do you take care of them?

I wash on a cold cycle and hang them out to dry. We use Tide Free & Clear based on The Wire Cutter recommendations. I’ll also add baking soda in the wash to help freshen them up. Don’t hate me, but I have to admit, I don’t sweat all that much. It’s the truth, and neither does my mom, so our clothes don’t get that stinky or gross.

Visit Katelyn’s Substack, here

of Nouri Paris

What type of workouts do you do?

My movement practice is simple: weights three times a week, 10K daily steps (so easy in Paris), and mobility, yoga, or fascia release on recovery days. It all ties into what I call Single Ingredient Life, a philosophy I’ve written about extensively on Substack, that I apply to food, beauty, and clothing, alike.

What do you wear?

I haven’t worn leggings in over a year. I want range of motion, not compression, so everything I wear is 100% natural.

I shop mostly secondhand on Vinted, or at my local vintage shop, and when buying new I go to H-O-R-S-E (their high V-neck tee & track pants are particularly good), Los Angeles Apparel (good for capri leggings & track shorts) or Jungmaven (great for hemp singlets, & leggings with a drawstring waist, so you won’t keep adjusting during class). In the weight room, I wear looser bottoms, like these ones by Alex Eagle, so I can squat and bend. And pair them with a smaller top, so nothing’s in the way when I lift; and yes, I like seeing my arms and abs in the mirror.

How do you wash your workout clothes?

Natural fibers don’t need special treatment, so I use a natural detergent and line dry everything, and vintage pieces only get better with more washes. Because none of it reads as “technical workout gear,” it all crosses over effortlessly: a cropped vintage tee works with denim, cotton sweatpants go under a vintage fur coat for errands, and my cotton bralettes double as everyday bras. My style icon is Brad Pitt’s character in the F1 movie: soft, worn-in and uninterested in plastic-y tech fabrics.

Visit Nadia’s Substack, here

What type of workouts do you do?

As a Pilates instructor and mum of two under three, movement has to fit around real life. I do mat Pilates at home three to four times a week, one strength session, one run when possible, and lots of walks.

What do you wear?

I started working out again six weeks postpartum, and quickly learned most activewear isn’t built for breastfeeding or early postpartum bodies. I’m not big on matching sets, but I love a simple black top and bottom, layered with an oversized oxford shirt or a knit after class. I personally don’t like the look of a head to toe gym outfit on me, and I’m often heading straight on to do a bit of shopping, or to a coffee date with friends, so tend to combine activewear with ‘normal’ pieces from my wardrobe. For instance, leggings and an oversized sweatshirt or my Rag & Bone rugby sweatshirt with ballet flats. Or a boat-neck top with Skims flare leggings to elevate and mix things up. If I’m not in ballerinas, I usually wear my super lightweight ‘lucky’ ASICS GEL-1130 sneakers.

What about accessorizing?

I almost never use a gym bag, I just use one of my regular handbags instead, unless I really have a lot to take with me. I also wear studs instead of hoops, so I don’t need to think about removing jewelry before working out.

How do you wash your workout clothes?

I just wash my workout wear as normal, but merino wool is big in Scandinavia for working out in, and needs to go on a gentler cycle. But its natural fibers resist odor, so it needs washing less often anyway.

Visit Tammy’s Substack, here

—The Chosen One—

After much deliberation, I’ve decided on this:

I love the idea of natural fabrics against my skin for working out based on the sweat-and-absorption theory Nadia highlights above, so went for these GOTS certified organic cotton leggings (a sturdier replacement for my current ones), and matching sports bra. The leggings are full length, so reach beyond your ankles (elongating), and have a matte rather than glossy finish. (Note to self: they say they’re for “low impact activity,” can be machine washed cold (hallelujah) and should be air dried).

With fans whirring before we’ve done anything more than switch springs or clamp in the jump board, it can often start out cold in the pilates studio, and this merino mesh top is the perfect lightweight layer—I love it with these high vamp Italian leather ballet flats. And these grip socks are a non-negotiable.

What do you wear to work out?

Everything’s linked on Shopmy, here.

Odell’s piece gave a name to the wider issue at hand, too: the slopification of inspiration (inspa-slop?). But even while big tech attempts to hypnotize us all into a blue light-driven shopping frenzy, where we’re spoon-fed ‘taste’ from a swirling bowl of regurgitated ideas, data points, and the devilish algorithm, it’s not entirely impossible to disengage. Many Substackers naturally do this weekly with their personal takes on getting dressed. While others generously nudge us toward a more purposeful curation that diversifies our scroll, and overall approach.

As traditional outside influences like music and art get muffled, and AI-driven fashion swill literally drips through the phones in our hands, filling our wardrobes thoughtfully takes a little more restraint. Instead of inspiration hitting us in a flash, as in days gone by, it’s now an oversaturated commodity, requiring us to pull back to gain, not a blinding lightbulb moment, but a quiet, ongoing peace about which items truly resonate. In short, separating what we love from what’s fed to us requires an extended pause.

That’s precisely why I love a ‘wishlist strategy,’ where we hold off on big purchases and wait for the sales, instead. If they’ve gone by then, c’est la vie; if they haven’t, and we still want them, well, that brings me to the next part. When putting together A Guide to The New Minimalism for the WSJ earlier this year, a few unused nuggets stuck with me. One was from content curator and former over-spender, Christine Mychaskiw, who advised setting aside an “impulse spending budget,” rather than retreating into full-blown shopping-denial mode. That way, when the sales roll around, you have license to buy “a few pieces” that won’t automatically plunge you into debt or a guilt-induced spiral of regret. Seeking out small, thoughtful, consciously crafted pieces and shopping secondhand, are extensions of this same idea.

So, for anyone looking to fill gaps in their late summer-fall wardrobe without wading through an avalanche of externally-imposed musts, here are some anti-fashion slop wardrobe suggestions to ruminate on:

1. Analog t-shirts are a nostalgic pushback against anything algorithm driven. Choose one that supports a cause you’re passionate about (like and did in the post below), or dig for an old band tee in a vintage store that connects to a treasured memory.

2. Now’s the time to invest in a leather coat. While everyone’s distracted with SPF and jelly sandals, the jacket you loved last fall is now sitting in store at half price. And if you’ve waited this long and still love it, it’s likely a keeper.

3. Shop small, responsible brands. They tend to focus on elevated basics and work their way up from there as they grow and expand. Those with a sustainable conscience will also support artisans and create pieces that are guaranteed to go the distance.

4. For obvious reasons, replace your late night scroll with a little journaling.

More on these starting points, below.

—THE ANALOG STATEMENT: GRAPHIC TEES—

^{Left: Tee / Pants / Shoes (and a cheaper version, here) /// Center: Tee / Skirt / Shoes /// Right: Tee / Bermudas (I have these in black and wear 2 sizes up, so they hang lower on my hips and fall below the knee instead of on it) / Shoes (some links are affiliate)/// NOTES: The key to pulling off a graphic tee, without feeling like you’re regressing to your student years, is to add contrast with an elevated fabric or item that feels decidedly grown-up. So, avoid jeans, because that how the kids do it, and go for silk pants, a trouser-front maxi skirt, or denim Bermuda shorts and heels in a monochrome or black/white theme.}

Zoë Kravitz’s track shorts may have gone viral this summer, but it was her vintage Black History Month tee, nonchalantly tucked inside them, that was her outfit’s stealth hero; a sober message delivered in a cool, easy-to-emulate style. Other women have been donning their own versions of the analog tee: Jennifer Lawrence’s lemon-yellow Beatles homage, a ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ vintage band t-shirt, and Miley Cyrus’s bold red carpet move—donning a tee bearing her own image to the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special premiere in Los Angeles in May.

However you do it, a graphic tee with an analog statement isn’t just the easiest way to personalize a look, it’s a pushback against a digitized fashion scroll. Because, even if this trend spread like wildfire via the channels of social media, the very nature of it requires you to buy in with your own belief system or, dare I use the word, ‘taste’.

Incidentally, Chanel created a glimmering I ❤ NY tourist-inspired tee for its Métiers d’Art Pre-Fall 2026 show ($7,550), staged in an abandoned New York subway station. But you can buy the original on Canal street, any day, season, or year, for a bajillion dollars less.

My 3.1 Philip Lim tank was a gift from the brand back in my Vogue days, so I guess it’s halfway to being bonafide vintage now. On the right, another design by the label, available preloved, here that feels a little closer to the bedazzled Chanel take. [UPDATE: The tee on the right has now sold, but other options are here and here].

—OFF-SEASON BUYS: IF YOU STILL WANT IT, IT’S WORTH IT—

^{From left: Leather parka (sale) / Leather army jacket (preloved) / Leather bomber jacket (sale) / Leather parka (sale)}

Like most people who need to buy a family worth of coats and put two kids through summer camp, I buy my warmest outerwear in the height of summer. Last July I scored an oversized Nili Lotan pure wool coat from The RealReal for a little over $200, when it’s original tag soared north of $1K. I wore it from late October through to March, from the dog park to bodega runs and evening dinner; basically, anywhere I possibly could. This year, before it’s cold enough to wear it again, I’m eyeing a sleek leather jacket. Last fall, the good ones were around $1-2K, but some, like the Toteme army jacket (second from left) are already showing up on The Real Real, and others, like the Frankie Shop one (center) and the IRO parka (far left) and Arma’s Maeve iteration (right) are heavily discounted in-stores. While everyone else is stocking up on SPF, linen and jelly shoes, this is the time to invest.

—FOREVER PIECES: MADE TO LAST BY SMALLER LABELS—

^{From left: Corset tee / Sweater / Shirt / Quarter Zip (the camel one is now back in stock)}

Most of us are on board with the idea that buying things nice avoids buying them twice. And these three brands offer all the possible niceties of a responsible staple, and more.

Left: Helen de Kluiver created CAES (pronounced 'case') in 2019 on the premise that clothes shouldn’t be fast or seasonal. Collections drop twice a year and always include carry-over pieces, underscoring the label’s focus on longevity. This corset tee is a case in point: with it’s roomy, mid-length sleeves and side ruching, it elevates way beyond your average Hanes, but is still classic enough to remain in your favor for years to come.

Center Left: After a 20-year search for “the perfect jumper,” London-based Rachel Carvell-Spedding started a knitwear label made from natural, traceable wool, called Navygrey. The Weekend, a lightweight perfectly slouchy crewneck, seeks to combat that frustration and remains a bestseller today.

Center Right & Far Right: Alexa Dagmar and Linda Juhola are the duo behind Almada, which is designed in Helsinki and Finland, and crafted in Italy, Portugal, Turkey and Inner Mongolia. Nothing here is trend-led and is made using only the finest materials and responsible production practices, which are broken down on their website. The boxy white tee and Chanel-like quarter zip crafted from “a soft, non-itchy mulesing-free merino wool and organic cashmere blend” (pictured above) are perfect examples.

Above: I typically wear boxy, oversized pieces, but I’ve been craving a little more shape recently and this ruched, cotton-jersey Merlette top* is offering just the right amount. I’m wearing a large, so it’s nowhere near the realms of body-skimming, but I like how the little peplum and not-too-low V-neck adds contrast to these boyish shorts (these ones are 3 years old from H&M, bought two sizes too big. But these ones are similar).

^{*In case you don’t know them yet, Merlette is the tiny but mighty, Tribeca-based label that uses sustainable cottons, OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, and responsible manufacturing.}

—GOING OFFLINE: JOURNALS—

^{Clockwise from top left: Le Bonheur / To Do List / Wellness / Googly Eyes / Moleskine / A Note / Loewe}

Suggesting a journal to a Substacker is perhaps a classic case of preaching to the choir. Or maybe it’s just knowing your audience. Either way, the benefits of writing things down, by hand on paper, is well-documented, both for personal clarity and getting stuff off our chests. If you’re into manifesting, it’s the old school way of carrying out that practice—write your vision down and neuroscience says you’re significantly more likely to achieve your goals.

What are your favorite never-fail, anti-slop purchases?

^{Shop everything here}

Jeans always make a non-regrettable wardrobe addition. And while styles and silhouettes change, just like anything else, in this category they usually swing back around. Last week’s post dives into real-life purchases (new and vintage), plus how to keep them in great condition…

More past articles…

If, like me, you have multiple pairs of jeans on rotation at any given time and are always open to more, what is it that keeps you from ending the search? A perfect fit from your teen years that you’re hoping to rediscover (guilty), or some elusive Brooke Shields, Calvin Klein idea of perfection (also guilty)?

Most of us could talk about jeans for hours: the places they’ve accompanied us, the accidents they’ve survived. That they look just as at home on a magazine cover as a construction site cements them as the answer to almost any looming dress code dilemma—even if it takes a small rotation to actually pull that off.

While jeans often dip in and out of runway collections, this season, even the houses that don’t usually dabble have been leaning in: Celine with ever-divisive skinnies, Dior and Jil Sander with straight-legs and knits, and Loewe with ever-more exuberant volume, color and texture. Khaite, of leg-lengthening Danielle fame, meanwhile, dived straight in and opened the spring show with a sleek pair in indigo.

Despite my inner online shopper telling me otherwise (and as established in the t-shirt version of this post), we all secretly know that the perfect version of anything doesn’t exist. But when it comes to investing in a rotation of jeans for everyday life we can get pretty close…with a little help from our friends. For instance, have you been wondering how to wear the season’s earthier, neutral-leaning tones? See Ariane’s entry, below. Wondering if the Jamie Haller jeans will work on you or are better suited to literally anyone else? Skip straight to Keturah’s advice.

Whatever jeans you’re deliberating over, the women below can undoubtedly help. Ahead, discover their go-to styles, including where to buy vintage, from London to New York, and how to keep your beloved true blues in the best possible condition.

Gabriela of Strange Applez says: “Vintage Levi’s are some of my favorites. I have a pair from Depop that are a decade old, and this pair (pictured left) that are made-to-measure from Aligrace, which isn’t cheap but is totally worth it. New Levi’s are amazing too, and have a killer price tag; I get the 501 90s Selvedge Women’s Jeans one or two sizes up for an oversized look.

Agolde’s 90s pinch waist straight jeans have been a staple for years (center pic) and I’ve been obsessed with the fray slim crop lately. Then there’s the Low Curve high-rise wide-leg jeans (pictured right) and the Still Here Cool Jeans in brick are amazing, too.

I have a short torso, so I wear mid to low rises, because medium rise is basically high rise on me. That counts me out of any Khaite jeans since they’re a 14” rise. I’m a medium to medium-dark wash gal—I think it gives more day-to-night versatility—and the sizing depends on the fit I’m going for. I do prefer jeans a bit loose, so I’ll go up a size or two. I’m not precious with them, even the vintage ones—I hang dry them, unless they’ve stretched out too much, then into the dryer they go.”

Keturah Drake, a designer & stylist at Low Key Important, says: “Jamie Haller is the MVP (most valuable purchase) for me. I suggest it to all of my friends, and clients alike. I’m obsessed with The Crease Jean (more sizes avail here). Everyone tries to make denim that feels vintage and lived-in, and she actually does it. They feel like something my mom could’ve handed down to me. I bought three pairs in under 4 months because they filled such a gap in my wardrobe, and as a curvy woman, it’s really hard out here. They run tts with a hint of stretch, but the denim relaxes with wear, so I went from my usual 36 down to a 34. I recently wore them to the Knicks championship parade, then on to see Proof on Broadway. My legs felt like they went on forever, like a throwback 90s supermodel; they’re a perfect date-night jean. I also wear the barrel jeans from Gap, which are a great lower-priced option that often go on sale. I purchased black in short, and classic in tall, to have options, both in a 35. I also love pull on styles from Big Bud Press, and Roucha.

I wash all my jeans inside out with Nellie’s laundry soda; and spot treat with Zote, the little pink Mexican laundry bar I get from Lowe’s. Then everything gets air dried over the shower rod. Never the dryer.”

*Click for more on Keturah’s denim thoughts, where she answers her readers Q&A’s.

Tina Boetto of Semi-Sustainable says: “Almost all of my jeans are secondhand with one exception: my Agolde 90s Pinch Waist jeans. I bought these on Shopbop in 2022 since I couldn’t find my size at resale in this wash. No regrets, they’re spectacular and have been mistaken for vintage Levi’s—the ultimate compliment.

I find a great jean has a 12” rise, 28-32” inseam, and, after seeing an image of how stretch denim breaks down over time, is always 100% cotton. I’ve exclusively bought Agolde for the past five years and own five secondhand pairs. All are tts except for a preloved, white Luna barrel pair from The RealReal, which are one size up and have a great slouch.

Per Patric Richardson’s laundry advice, I wash them every 5 or 6 wears on warm with Method or Seventh Generation detergent, and then machine dry them. I always wet down the lower legs and air dry after that, to get rid of those long creases from the dryer. Puracy spray is great for getting out belt marks and the mysterious blue marker stains my white jeans picked up this spring.”

*White Agolde Luna jeans have popped up on Poshmark (also here), Thredup and, in LEATHER, no less, on eBay.

Amora Aniba says: “My default jeans are a pair of pre-loved Carhartt’s that I found tucked-away inside a vintage store in Paris for $30. I have a shorter torso, so the rise length is a make-or-break situation. Too long, and I end up with gapping at the waist and extra fabric through the crotch. I usually go for a 10¾ inch mid-rise and a 31 or 32 inch inseam. The Madewell Longline Straight Jeans are closest, but I recommend sizing down. The COS column Straight-Leg jeans are great for a darker wash, but they’ve now sold out (Citizen of Humanity’s Blaine Vintage Straight are similar). If I’m between sizes, I’ll go for the smaller ones, since I prefer when denim’s a little snug at first so it can mold to my body. I love a leg that narrows toward the ankle; worn with flats, it gives an outfit a classic, understated look that’s a little 90s Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein.

I usually wash jeans in the machine with Tyler Glamorous Wash in Diva (it leaves a light, fresh, feminine scent). Then dry them on a medium heat.”

Traci Landy of Rambling in Style says: “I’ve had the Paige Denim “Anessa” jean the longest, and keep buying them in multiple washes. Pictured above is Mesmerize in 31”, but it’s important to note they STRETCH! I love high-waisted jeans that feel cool, but also, if I randomly end up needing to do some level of physical activity (such as herding children), I’m still able to move around. I love the wide leg, and the raw hem version gives California-cool vibes.

I try to hold off on washing them until they really need it, and when I do, I’ll machine wash them on cold with a gentle detergent (love this one!). If they need to shrink back into shape, I’ll put them in the dryer on a low cycle, otherwise, I just let them air dry.

They were the most expensive jeans I’d ever invested in, and remember feeling terrified making the purchase. But the payoff’s been worth it—I’ve had them for almost five years and still find myself reaching for them constantly.”

Ariane of The September Edit says: “My favorite jeans are vintage Levi’s** 505s (Left pic. These are similar) that I picked up during a visit to London. They’re my first vintage pair, because the idea of finding them on my own was too intimidating, but Chloe at made it a breeze. I have a long torso, so a high-rise is non-negotiable. My tailor is my best friend when it comes to nailing length and fit, but miraculously, these vintage ones were perfect from the start.

I prefer clean, minimal denim without distressing, whiskering, or frayed hems. My preferred style is a classic straight-leg jean, but I wear wide-leg and barrel styles, too. The light olive pair (center pic) are from Zara (now on sale and these ones are similar), and the light blue wash (right pic) is COS (now sold out, but these ones are very similar). Since I don’t have much waist definition, my usual size already allows for wiggle room at the hips and legs; I always size up in lighter washes and ecru, though.

I know you’re supposed to wash your jeans as little as possible, but as a mom of two small, messy humans (who’s prone to stains herself), I wash mine regularly—especially the ecru ones. I turn them inside out and use regular detergent on a delicate cold cycle. If they’re stained, I pre-treat them with the Resolve gold formula stain remover.”

• **This Etsy store is known for great fitting Levi’s at a really great price
  

• **These Re/Done Levi’s are very good, too

Molly Epstein of Owl Tree Nest says: “My love affair with Levi’s began in 1991 when I discovered that used 501’s, the more ripped the better, did way more for my legs & bottom than my dusty Girbaud’s. I have two favorites: the first are Levi’s XL Baggy Straight, that I initially found at Westerlind in Hudson upstate, then bought a second color, direct from Levi’s, for the 29” inseam that’s ideal for my 5’3 frame. Hemming alone can mean the leg character is a little off (too wide at knee etc), so, for my fellow shorties, buy petite inseams from brands directly so the leg shape stays true.

My other favorite pair are also Levi’s, but the 505 style in indigo (see a similar vintage option, here) from The Consistency Project in Brooklyn. You’re measured, then you select options from their wall of vintage and dead stock Levi’s. They tailor everything as needed, including the original hem, which is all included in the price.

To me, the most important factors in a good pair of jeans, are flattering the peach, lengthening the legs, and just being generally comfortable. I move along with trends to some degree in terms of leg shape and rise, but I always buy jeans true to size.

Generally, I machine wash them all on cold, and hang dry. Grease or marinara sauce gets a Dawn spot wash, and stubborn stains get a day or two sitting with Oxi Clean spray, followed by a warm wash.

My gaggle of daughters are both my harshest style critics and biggest cheerleaders. My XL baggy get 6 thumbs up whenever I wear them, and they go from drop-off, to work, to bleachers, to nice dinners, because they style like a trouser, look great with tees or blazers, and hold their shape all day.”

And here’s my two cents: “I’ve always lived in jeans, but I’m not loyal to a brand, size or fit. I got my first pair of Levi’s 501s back in the 90s, and they were such a trophy purchase, I feel like they’re still my one. But honestly, post-kids, I’m not convinced that style works on me now. As an update, I’ve fallen for these straight leg options by Ayr, with a slight stretch, permanent front crease (very Celine) and frayed hem, that gives them an air of ease and un-preciousness. While I love the idea of rigid denim, mom-life requires so much movement and speed that, some mornings, a bit of stretch is the only reason I’ll reach for jeans over sweatpants.

Much like everyone else, I’m not a one-style-only devotee. And there’s a reason Agolde’s Luna* (the slightly faded version are available, here*) appears twice in this roundup: not only do they work on almost everyone, with flats or heels, but they’re butter-soft, and the brand’s whole raison d’etre is that denim doesn’t have to destroy the planet to look and feel good. The pair on the right was gifted to me two years ago, but I wore them so often, I bought an identical pair. They’re perfect with this long-sleeved tee (also a brand gift*) that’s as soft as sleepwear, with a roomy fit, and satisfyingly high crewneck that’s perfect for stacked necklaces.

I spot clean or dry clean my jeans; I know that sounds ridiculous, and I probably don’t do it enough, but they’re such an integral part of my wardrobe, I’ll do anything to avoid them shrinking or changing shape. Once they do, there’s no getting them back, so while I wear them hard like denim, I wash them more like silk.”

*The first link has most sizes in stock, except for a 28, which is on pre order. However, 28s are currently in stock if you click the second link (in parentheses), so you don’t have to wait!

*I only feature gifts from brands if I genuinely love them and wear them as part of my everyday wardrobe.

Do you have a favorite vintage denim store, or a care tip that never fails?

Shop the collection, here.

And if you’re looking for ideas on which t-shirts to wear with your jeans, try this story below:

To get straight to the vintage recs, scroll down to the next image ⬇️

As you probably gathered from the title, we were supposed to visit Paris this summer. My pre-teens had been begging, on and off, since their Fancy Nancy–loving years, and this July we were finally going to make it happen.

In a very out-of-character move, we started researching months ahead, booked a decent family-friendly hotel in a convenient spot, and found a flight with all our seats in a row (no small feat). And yes, I’d even done some in-depth research on which vintage shops were worth scouring (there are 18 of them, for the record). Everything was coming together seamlessly.

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Despite the barrage of SEO-driven stories promising otherwise, I’ve come to the conclusion that the perfect t-shirt doesn’t exist. Despite the evocative romance of it all, largely fueled by images of James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause, Diana Ross at Studio 54, and Jane Birkin pretty much everywhere, a singular, flawless tee that’s endlessly style-able and easy to wash couldn’t possibly embody what every T-shirt lover is looking for. I’ve seen as many people swear Leset’s Margo is the one, as reveal they’ve relegated it to the pajama-wearing pile. And both camps are right—horses for courses, chacun à son goût, and so on (Julia, below, loves it, for the record).

Since just one t-shirt couldn’t possibly accommodate all of our beautifully different body types, style preferences, budgets, and life stages, I’ve enlisted the help of 9 stylish women, and asked them to share the design(s) they deem worthy of the Best T-Shirt title (plus, there’s one of my own). They also reveal where to hunt down the best vintage options and how to keep any white t-shirt stain and wrinkly-collar-free.

Expect baby tees, boxy tees, graphic, long-sleeved, men’s tees, vintage tees, and the best non-t-shirt alternative for anyone who’s given up the search. Each nomination has been repeatedly worn, stained, and washed, and emerged victorious to claim the joint title of World’s Best T-shirt(s).

Read on for hype-less reviews to inform your next buy.

Style Creator & Creative Consultant says: “My favorite tee is The Car Baby by Flore Flore in white. It combines everything I look for in an everyday essential: a timeless fit, the perfect weight, and soft organic cotton. It pairs effortlessly with relaxed denim and works with almost everything in my wardrobe. To keep it in good condition, I only wash it with other white tees, at 30°C, with a detergent made specifically for whites—it’s called Ossengalzeep voor vlekken.”

Former T-Shirt Designer of La Deeply Shallow says: “It took me years to realize the kind of t-shirt I truly love: it’s structured yet soft, architectural yet cocooned, boxy and slightly oversized, with a wide sleeve and subtle drop shoulder. I can dress that shape up and achieve the proportion I love—an oversized top and slimmer bottom.

For long sleeves, the Ayr Early Morning t-shirt and Half Day, which is a little bit shorter and suits my 5’1” height better (now on sale), are my favorites. And Ruadh’s Esme t-shirt in white is definitely my short sleeve choice. For color, my current favorite is Every.body World Boxier trash tee which I own in Lapis.

The Everybody World t-shirt is 100% reclaimed waste cotton. It’s not as soft as other t-shirts I own but it’s incredibly fresh and breathable, which is perfect in Florida’s high temperatures. They wash like a dream—even when I throw them in the dryer, the lapis blue comes out as bright as the day I bought it.

Ruadh’s Esme is extremely soft yet structured. Its 100% organic cotton, made in Portugal at Texmade Texteis LDA, a female founded and family operated factory. I don’t do anything special to keep it white, but it’s maintained its crispness pretty well so far.

Ayr’s t-shirts are a 100% cotton heavyweight jersey, and since they’re thicker, I prefer wearing them in the fall and winter. They’re my go-to’s for plane travel, as well. I’ve washed them countless times and they keep their structure and softness incredibly well. Their seashell color contrasts really nicely with white bottoms and the charcoal isn’t a true black, which gives it a vintage look. The other thing I love about Ayr is their sturdy ribbing, which is something I rarely get from a Zara or H&M T-shirt.”

^{*Check out Laura’s own post, which is full of t-shirt gems.}

Media & Communications Expert, of DAERE & Asking For a Friend says: “When you asked me about my favorite T-shirt, I realized I don’t really have one. I love the look of all those tiny baby tees, but they just don’t suit me. What always works, though, is a great long-sleeve tee; it does all the work for you. This one from Cos is one of those pieces I keep reaching for. I know people say you shouldn’t buy multiples, but I own it in white, black, and even different sizes. That’s actually something I do quite often—when something really works for me, I don’t keep looking for alternatives. It’s made from 100% cotton and is a boxy, classic crewneck. The fabric is on the heavier side, so it’s not see-through, but it still has a really nice drape. It’s also not too long, which, for me, makes it much more versatile.

I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to details, and I genuinely think they’re what make or break a staple. The weight of the fabric, the length, the neckline, the way the sleeves sit—it’s those small things that make me reach for this t-shirt over and over again. It feels elevated while still being incredibly easy to wear. And because the white is so crisp and clean, I especially love pairing it with white denim. It creates that monochrome look that always feels effortless.

While it’s naturally more of a casual piece, that doesn’t mean I only wear it casually. I love pairing it with Bermuda shorts, heels, and a small handbag for dinner just as much as with jeans, flip-flops, and a cool pair of sunglasses for the playground.
That’s probably what I love most about it: it always works. Versatility is one of the most important things I look for when buying clothes. I want pieces that adapt to different occasions instead of sitting in my wardrobe waiting for the “right” moment.

I have a baby who’s just started solids and a toddler who loves playing in the mud, so keeping a white T-shirt perfectly white feels pretty much impossible at the moment. If anyone has tips, please send them my way! That’s actually one of the reasons I haven’t invested in more expensive basics yet. I know everyone talks about Flore Flore and Leset, but in my current life stage, I just know I’d spend more time worrying about stains than actually enjoying wearing them.

One thing I always have with me, though, is the Dr. Beckmann stain remover stick, and I try to treat stains quickly, before they have a chance to dry, which definitely helps. But honestly, what really makes the difference is perfectly steaming it. I know it’s not everyone’s favorite task, but it instantly makes even the simplest T-shirt look so much more polished.”

Writer & Editor Natasha Silva Jelly of says: “I know a white tee is a foundational piece in any wardrobe, but I don’t actually wear them. I don’t love how I look in them, and never have, which might be because I have boobs. As I’ve entered midlife, I prefer a chic, classic button-down, instead. I’m leaning more into men’s style, it feels more sophisticated, so a white button-up is my perfect white tee.

I’ve learned Jenni Kayne, Nili Lotan and J.Crew have the best options, but my absolute fave is the Jenni Kayne Boyfriend Shirt in white. It’s classic but with a relaxed, unfussy vibe—and it’s made from Italian cotton, so it breathes and doesn’t wrinkle. It’s not just the slightly oversized boyfriend cut that makes it work, it’s also the little details: a chest pocket and high-low hem with gussets.

I wear it in white everywhere, but also love the blue and striped versions. It’s my go-to uniform with jeans or tailored trousers, and even shorts. Off duty, I pair it with Birkenstocks or sneakers, dressed up for dinner, I add loafers and kitten heels and some layered gold chains.

I’m a bit of a master at getting stains out. I’ll soak it overnight in cold water first, then treat the stain directly with Dawn Powerwash Platinum dish spray (yep, the same one you clean your dishes with) or OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover. Then I wash it in cold water on a gentle white cycle with a booster like Borax. I don’t ever put my shirts in the dryer; I just hang them on a coat hanger and let them air-dry.

Fashion Designer & Ex-Engineer Cathy Karuga of Three Outfits, says: “I alternate between the Uniqlo U Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt and the same style in the mens, both by Christophe Lemaire. The men’s version is a little more oversized with a slightly longer sleeve. Between the two, they cover every white T-shirt I need.

The sleeve length is what sold me. I know baby tees are all the rage at the moment, but I’ve never understood a T-shirt that cuts off halfway down your shoulder. It’s rarely flattering and often looks like you accidentally bought a size too small. This one has a beautiful, classic fit with enough structure to feel polished. It’s cut from a heavyweight cotton that isn’t sheer, holds its shape, and washes incredibly well. Mine have survived countless machine runs despite all the inevitable stains that come with having young kids (a convenient excuse), and still look great.

A lightweight cotton tee can be hard to elevate for evenings, but these ones have enough weight and structure to make them work with denim and sneakers on weekends, or tailored trousers and heels for dinner. They’re not so thick they look like a tech-y, boxy top. They’re one of those rare basics that genuinely adapt to almost any outfit.

I’m incredibly prone to spilling things on myself, so I’ve built up quite the stain-removal arsenal. Amodex has saved me more times than I can count but I also swear by Vanish Napisan Oxi Action Spray, an Australian staple that has a permanent spot in my laundry. Unfortunately, it’s not available in the U.S., but OxiClean is the next best thing, but I don’t think it’s quite as effective. I should start importing Napisan! It deserves a cult following.

I machine wash all of my white T-shirts. I’m too lazy to handwash everyday items and a t-shirt is meant to be worn, not babied.”

Advertising Sales Manager & Content Creator J.Rich says: “I love the Uniqlo Mini T-Shirt. It has the perfect clean, structured silhouette that makes me feel effortlessly polished. I’ve had a few for about a year now, and despite wearing and washing them regularly, they still look as good as new. I don’t do anything particularly special when washing them, just make sure they’re with similar colors, avoid high heat in the dryer, and they’ve stayed crisp and bright. I own several colors because they’re so versatile and tend to wear this style when I want a bit more structure or to balance out a silhouette with baggier trousers or fuller skirts. Most days I’ll pair one with statement trousers or jeans for an easy, edgy look. But if I want to elevate the outfit a bit, I’ll add a brooch or a piece of chunky jewelry, which instantly makes a simple T-shirt feel more intentional.”

^{Pictured right: A similar tee that nails that elusive, vintage-fit, recommended by Julia}

Brand Consultant Julia Melbourne of says: “Getting dressed feels so much easier with a good selection of white t-shirts on rotation. I’m a long-time fan of finding deadstock thermal and pointelle tees in Europe, and threadbare T’s in LA. But I did once discover a great, organic, soft cotton version at Gap, which they’ve sadly discontinued. While nothing beats the softness of a vintage T-shirt, I do like Leset’s Margo tee and Le Cou Cou Intimates have this one, which gets pretty close. The best ones have a not-too-low round neck, are thin enough to reveal a bit of a lace bra, and boyish enough to never feel over-dressed. I’ve found the best vintage ones at flea markets—the one in Santa Monica airport and Pasadena City College flea, specifically. Scout vintage also has a great selection. I wear them tucked into high-waisted pants or under a silk slip with antique earrings, like Mrs Prada. To keep them white, I’ve started carrying a vanish pen around in my bag; you never know when you’ll need it in New York!”

Marketing Specialist of La Petite Colombiana says: I fell in love with this NPR Retro T-shirt the second I found it. I’ve been looking for a vintage graphic t-shirt for a while, and this one checked every box and works great on my petite body. The fit is relaxed and a little boxy, which I love. It’s 100% pre-shrunk combed ringspun cotton (no idea what that means, but it sounds very professional), so it’s soft but has a nice weight to it, not sheer at all. Because it’s pre-shrunk, it washes really well and holds its shape. The color is reactive-dyed, so it has stayed vibrant—and it’s only $27. Knowing I’m also supporting public radio, possibly makes it my best purchase of the year. I bought it with casual outfits in mind, but I can definitely see it working with shorts, a nice, breezy, flowy midi skirt, or my knit skirt that has a little retro vibe.

I’ve learned a lot over the years about how to take care of white clothes. First, I turn it inside out, to protect the print. Then I spray OxiClean around the neckline and armpit area to remove any dirt or makeup, and prevent yellowing. I always wash whites in cold water on a gentle cycle, and use Woolite, because it protects the fabric, and I always air-dry it flat; I never put it in the dryer, because heat can damage the print and cause it to shrink.”

Full-Time Working Mom of An Unquenchable Thirst For Color says: “When I want to wear a t-shirt that makes me feel a little extra sassy, I always reach for my 1973 Retro Affirmation tee from Social Goods. I bought it in 2021, and it still looks as good today, many washes and wearings later. The description says it’s made from “the softest midweight cotton jersey,” and that’s what I like about it. The material’s not thin, but it’s on the thinner side, so clings just enough to accentuate my curves—and yeah, sometimes that’s a characteristic I appreciate in a tee. I have a short torso, but I’m a bit busty so I appreciate the extra length provided by its unisex sizing; mine is a medium.

I wear it casually on the weekends, but I’ll also reach for it if I’m going to meet a friend for drinks or a casually upscale meal. I like to wear my tees with fancier bottoms, like a skirt or pants; I always appreciate that kind of juxtaposition. I wore it to my son’s 21st birthday party with a blazer and heels, and to meet friends for drinks before our 30th high school reunion. Best of all? $5 from the purchase goes to Planned Parenthood. Plus, the “1973” emblazoned across the chest not only celebrates the year Roe vs. Wade was won, it’s also the year of my birth. It’s a conversation starter, that’s for sure. Even if it’s not always the conversation people want to have, it sure is a necessary one.”

And here’s my blurb: “This is my non-work, everyday go-to tee for running the kids around and walking the dog. As someone prone to spills, it mercifully doesn’t hold stain-like grudges for long. Though I don’t make a habit of it, it will go in the machine on a normal cycle, won’t resist the dryer, and generally doesn’t complain. I have the confidence to treat it with such disrespect on occasion since it’s one of six identical hand-me-downs from my husband, so they’re not in short supply. He got them from the Cos men’s section a couple of years ago and they seem to have been discontinued, but this unisex version by Gap is almost identical. Since it’s made of a heavyweight, cotton-blend French terry, the sleeves don’t resist being rolled up a few times. I have a long torso, so oversized men’s tees tend to keep my intentional midriff-baring days in the past, which is how I like it.

I’ll use Shout if the stain is matcha (usually is) or a muddy paw print, then throw it in the machine with a few pumps of Frey’s Liquid Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin. I try to mostly wash it on delicate, and hang it up to dry, though, in a pinch, I’ve done the opposite and it miraculously emerged unscathed.

I love wearing this cozy t-shirt with contrasting, bias-cut silk pants and sneakers (inspired by this runway look from 2022), or these Citizens of Humanity denim Bermudas, which were a gift from the brand (I’m wearing them two sizes up, so they hang on my hips and fall below the knee), and a pair of slightly elevating sandals.”

— Cleaning Tips Recap —

_{Image: @flwhrs and Feyza Yıldırım at Unsplash}

Washing: Use a cold water, gentle cycle, wash whites with whites, and avoid throwing your whites in with darks (sounds obvious, but I’ve been guilty of it in the past). A few contributors swear by specialist detergents: Linda uses Ossengalzeep voor vlekken, a Dutch stain-specific soap for whites, and Natalia reaches for Woolite to protect fabric. For graphic tees, turn them inside out first to protect the print.

Stains: Don’t just throw it in the machine and cross your fingers. Natasha soaks overnight in cold water first, then spot-treats directly with Dawn Powerwash Platinum dish spray or OxiClean, followed by a cold wash with a Borax booster. Natalia pre-sprays OxiClean specifically around the neckline and armpit area to prevent yellowing before it starts and Kinga advises treating stains as quickly as possible before they have a chance to dry. Cathy says Amodex is her first port of call, but she also swears by Vanish Napisan Oxi Action Spray, an Australian staple she considers unrivaled. It's not available in the US, but she thinks OxiClean is the closest alternative.

Drying: This is where most tees go to die. The universal consensus is to hang and don’t ever let them tumble. Air-dry flat for graphics, hang on a coat hanger for everything else. High heat in the dryer stretches necklines, shrinks prints, and shortens the life of the fabric considerably.

Finishing: Don't underestimate the power of a transformative steam. The Cirrus 3 Handheld Steamer by Steamery Stockholm is Kinga's secret weapon to instantly make even the simplest t-shirt look polished. Like most things that are worthwhile in life, it’s a laborious task that pays dividends.

Emergencies: Follow Kinga and Julia’s advice and throw a stain remover stick in your bag before leaving the house. As Julia puts it, “you never know when you’ll need it in New York.”

Discover all their T-Shirt recs, here.

What’s your favorite T-Shirt & cleaning tip?

^{Image: Ellie Cooper at Unsplash}

I’ve lost count of the double-takes I’ve done over designer shoe arrivals lately. Every one of those wonderfully wearable, heelless designs are what a multitasking-mom’s fashion dreams are made of. But, more and more frequently, there’s something curiously familiar about them.

For instance, did anyone else wear a version of the Celine Alan in sixth grade? Perhaps you own a cheaper iteration of Miu Miu’s Van-like “Chino” sneaker already. Or maybe, you’re an outdoorsy type with a trek sandal not dissimilar to Phoebe Philo’s Pace Runner buried in a bag upstate with the rest of your summer hiking kit.

The whole suspiciously repetitive scenario begs the slightly obvious question: when a $900 shoe and a $50 shoe look nearly identical (and the cheaper version existed first), what exactly is going on—is it a collaboration, an upgrade…a dupe? And which one is worth the price tag?

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Last week I caught my own reflection in a bodega window and realized I was wearing more jewelry than usual: three necklaces and four rings, which is quite the accumulation for a self-professed minimalist (perhaps that’s changing). Anyway, the unexpected sighting made me think…

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how fashion had discovered older women, just not on the product pages where the buying happens (it was inspired by a reader question), and I wondered if jewelry was filling the gap. Starling Jewelry does it; Jasmin Sparrow does it; Bedazzled Jewelry does it; and yes, you guessed it, Rachel Comey also does it. Which makes perfect sense, because, as already established in the fashion-loving-older-women-piece, that age group has the most disposable income (a quick refresher: Federal Reserve data attributes more than 70% of US wealth to the over-55s).

When I think about the women whose style motivates me the most, it’s those with silver hair and laughter lines so deep, they’re proof life breaks open more profound levels of beauty. They also, quite often, take a jewelry-heavy approach to dressing. And becoming a musical presence, instead of quietly disappearing at a time when society has historically been done with you, is the kind of matriarchal pushback I can get behind.

To that end, I interviewed four women across age groups (and added a suggestion I’m trying out myself), to figure out how to get there.

…the sentimental route…

There’s no shortcut to a sentimental jewelry wardrobe. Peruvian-American visual artist Grimanesa Amorós sees her impressive collection as a culmination of a decades-long endeavor. Her first piece was a serpent ring in a mix of white and yellow gold that she commissioned an artisan to create when her first paintings sold. She’s since passed it on to her daughter, who wears it daily. Amorós, however, wears her father’s pinky ring and mother’s wedding band in its place (different-sized chains and solid gold bangles also adorn a wrist). “Neither are still with me,” she says of her parents. But “these pieces serve as a reminder.”

...the worn memories route…

Not everyone will inherit an heirloom, but creating your own through lived experiences is another way into a considered collection. That’s the angle personal stylist Yara Svalek opted for. After years of hauling twenty suitcases between New York, Hawaii, Europe, and L.A., at 45, she moved back to Slovakia and streamlined her closet—but jewelry was the category she didn’t touch. Now 52, her global finds act as wearable souvenirs: Tiffany-like bone cuffs from Barcelona, worn on both wrists, elevate sweatpants. While ball drop earrings (seen above), a memento from Germany, are often spotted dangling beneath her bob. “I don’t wear prints,” she says, “so jewelry is a handy way to make an outfit come alive.”

...the identity route…

Danielle Oreoluwa Jinadu, 30, is somewhat in the future-planning stage. “I want to be one of those older women you hear coming,” the London-based stylist says. “I want my bangles to rattle and smack together as I walk.” She inherited the instinct from her mother, whose big flower pieces she would steal in the 90s, because “they had so much character.” These days, she peppers silver cowrie shells throughout her braids, dons amorphous sculptural rings, and wears brooches instead of buttons. It goes deeper than mere embellishment, she says, “as a Nigerian Yoruba woman, adornment is a cultural practice.”

...the cost-effective route…

Amid the rising cost of gold and the social media-induced frenzy to color-match wardrobes to skin tones, silver has become more than a mere entry-point metal. And Copenhagen’s Lié Studio is one of the mid-priced brands that exclusively use quality 925 silver in their designs.

Co-founder Amalie Moosgaard Nielsen makes the cost-per-wear case: “You build a jewelry wardrobe throughout the years, and carry these pieces with you much longer than clothing.” Along with sister and business partner Cecilie, the duo set out to make “getting dressed easy with pieces that stay relevant throughout the years,” says Cecilie. The line’s main appeal? “Jewelry makes it easy to create that feeling of not looking like everyone else,” she adds.

...the jewelry memoir route…

Most of us can’t accrue a quality jewelry wardrobe in a single afternoon. And even if we could, that would technically be an expensive haul, rather than any kind of thoughtful curation. It’s when we inherit it, receive it for a milestone, or are given it ‘just because’ from a friend, that it settles, meaningfully, into our wardrobe, so that one day, we realize our hands are narrating a version of our story that serums and botox were enlisted to erase—a jewelry memoir, if you will.

...the interim wardrobe route…

If investing in your own, from prologue to epilogue, feels somewhat intimidating, why not experiment with a silver or gold-plated ‘interim wardrobe’ first? It’s akin to taking a lab diamond ring on vacation instead of your treasured sparkler, only this way, you wear your plated pieces every day until you can afford (or are lucky enough to be gifted) the real deal. The downside? They won’t last forever. But the upside is this: you’ll get a feel for how they look, styled every which way, before committing to a forever piece.

Some brands, across price points, worth considering…

entry point: annika inez

^{clockwise from left: tube collar / ball studs / heart drop earrings / heart earrings}

Annika Inez was born into a family of Swedish designers but now makes jewelry in Brooklyn. Her vibe is Malmö minimalism with a little New York attitude, mostly built from recycled sterling silver and gold, and a little borosilicate glass. She'll take shapes you recognize and sculpt them into clean geometric pieces that look like miniature architecture studies. Everything feels quietly confident but makes its presence known.

mid-priced: jasmin sparrow

^{left: earrings / top center: bracelet / bottom center: ring}

Jasmin Scott is the New Zealand designer behind this modern, ethically sourced label, with its roots in her grandmother's jewelry box. That inheritance is reincarnated in sculptural, vintage-inspired pieces crafted from recycled gold and silver, and often finished with freshwater pearls. Sparrow designs with the long game in mind: pieces are intended to be passed down through generations.

major investment: ouverture

^{Everything can be found on Ouverture Studio}

Ouverture is the Berlin studio of founder Kris Ter-Ghazaryan, who launched the line in 2020 with a clean, architectural take on fine jewelry. The brand operates on a zero-waste policy, with ethically-sourced pieces crafted in small batches by master artisans (the disc earrings and ring, above, are both in 14K gold and pavé with conflict-free diamonds). These spare, intentional designs, include just enough design momentum to set them apart, with nothing superfluous included. I literally want every piece.

A few more pieces I can’t shake: the Toteme cigar ring (far right below), the Guzema secret capsule necklace (a modern, graphic alt to a locket that holds notes rather than photographs on the far left below), and Nina Runsdorf’s diamond pinky ring (below center). I also think of this bracelet I wrote about for Vogue years ago, every time I lose a hair tie, or, more commonly, a small child steals it off my wrist—and I've yet to find it in solid gold or silver.

Tell me below: which piece of your jewelry tells the best story?

^{Central image: Miranda Alonso}

Back when I was a fledgling fashion writer, I fully believed I was among the first to witness a swimsuit worn as clothing. We were at a Michael Kors resort presentation where there were bikinis and knits, belted swimsuits with heels (great on a yacht, not so great under water).

I wasn’t, of course. Norma Kamali’s 1973 ‘Bill’ often doubled as a mini dress at Studio 54, while Tom Ford’s Gucci-era designs were labelled ‘swimsuit/bodysuit’ because he knew exactly how smart women would wear them as soon as the packaging was off. (See them on the runway, here, and on FirstDibs, if you’ve got a spare $2-4K, here).

But years later on vacation, when a small child sent a forkful of food flying at dinner, I was forced to discover the allure firsthand. I’d never been a bodysuit person, except for an uncomfortable stint in the 90s, but there I was, peeling off a spaghetti-soaked dress, changing into my Marysia Mott, blazer and shorts, and carrying on like I was heading to family night at Studio 54.

Now, I largely credit a quality, double-duty swimsuit for my ability to pack in under 10 minutes. In a pinch, your kaftan and sandals can be from a souvenir shop, but if your one-piece was cut by an artisan who saw its potential beyond the water, your week away is generally set.

My usual tactic is this: zip 5 loosely potential outfits and a couple of maillots into a carry-on, and deal with what goes with what at the hotel. It always works out, either because my wardrobe is mostly interchangeable monochrome pieces, or because under the sun with the sand beneath my toes, it just doesn’t matter that much.

Get your swimsuit right, however—the look of it, the feel of it, and how you feel you look in it—and you’ll crank up your getaway wardrobe’s versatility factor, cut down the number of tops you need to pack, and free up suitcase space for more holiday reads. And if you’ve ever finished a really good novel on vacation only to find Harry Potter is the only option in the hotel gift shop, you’ll know how crucial that truly is.

— Marysia’s Mott & Katie Kitamura’s Audition —

With its scalloped edges and high-reaching halterneck the Marysia Mott Maillot is the most flattering one-piece I’ve worn to date. I have a long torso and somehow, this design makes everything feel in proportion; mainly because it makes your collarbones the main event. I bought it about four years ago and wore it to death before accidentally adding it to a normal wash, on two separate occasions, and saw its taut threads relax like a deflating balloon. I imagine re-buying it one day and wearing it with Bermuda shorts, fisherman sandals, and some sharp sunnies, because, that way, the scallops look graphic rather than girly.

Audition by Katie Kitamura: Full disclosure: Katie is a friend, and her husband also writes incredible books (mine hasn’t stopped talking about Blue Ruin). NPR described her latest novel as “a tightly wound family drama that reads like a psychological thriller.” The tight prose in this intriguing, non-linear story about motherhood and performance earned Pulitzer and Booker Prize finalist spots, a Women’s Prize longlisting, and endorsements from Barack Obama, The New Yorker, Vogue, and the New York Public Library. Needless to say, it’s on my to-pack pile.

— Staud’s Dolce & Emma Straub’s Modern Lovers (& also American Fantasy) —

The Staud Dolce comes in several colors (I just bought it in this one), each with side cutouts that do wonders for your waistline. If a bikini doesn’t feel like a friend right now, this is the next best option. I love it with the Deiji Studios linen boxer shorts and slouchy shirt (these striped boxers are great, too). The overall effect is pajama-y but with a woman-in-control-of-her-life energy. The suede sandals in dark chocolate keep the look warm and easy.

Modern Lovers by Emma Straub: After an embarrassingly long reading hiatus (I was an overstimulated new mom, in my defense), Straub’s female-heavy character studies made it easy to find my way back in. Set in gentrified Brooklyn, Modern Lovers follows three former college bandmates, now in mid-life, as they all hit that crisis point in different ways. I’m also deep into the early chapters of her latest, American Fantasy, and it’s doing the same thing.

— Hunza G’s Faye & Gwendoline Riley’s The Palm House —

Julia Roberts wore the now-iconic Hunza G mini dress in Pretty Woman, so when I say this brand has proven credentials, that’s what I mean. Designer Georgiana Huddart’s Original Crinkle™ fabric stretches, sculpts and adapts to every body, so it’s a one size fits all situation. The Faye swimsuit is the design everyone raves about, and this version, from the coverage line, promises extra support (and who are we to turn that offer down?). The retro trim ties the monochrome look together and holds its own under a fluid blazer at dinner if the AC is a concern. Add white jeans and sandals that won’t compete for attention.

The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley: This has been recommended by a book editor friend and an architect friend, so its appeal is wide. I’ve been told it’s sharp, bleakly funny, and set among middle-aged Londoners navigating friendship, work, and upended lives. The sparse prose leaves plenty of room for subtext making it a beach read for anyone who’s able to stop checking their phone—or kids—long enough to sit with it.

—The Lido’s Tre & Kate Fagan’s The Three Lives of Cate Kay—

The Lido Tre launched back in 2018 and has stuck around for good reason. Made in Italy from sustainable matte Lycra that won’t go sheer in water, it has a straight neckline and geometric cross-back straps that are too good to save for ocean-life (click the link and you’ll see what it looks like from the back). Pair it, Miu Miu Spring 25-style, with a swishy pleated skirt and comfortable sandals, whether you’re home or away.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan: I read this by the pool in two days last spring and it had a wonderful movie-like pace. At its heart, it’s a coming-of-age-thriller-romance about a bestselling author, running away from herself through multiple identities, that eventually take her back to who she was all along (with some heartbreak and self-acceptance along the way). It’s an easy read that I could keep abreast of, despite multiple family-on-vacation-style interruptions.

— Andie’s Malibu & Mary H.K. Choi’s Pool House —

I spotted an older lady wearing the Andie Malibu Ribbed One-Piece on the beach in the Bahamas last year, and by my next vacation, I had my own. Its Henley-inspired design slips right into a wardrobe, and the long torso option is there if you need it. I took out the pads and found a moderate amount of support (but I’ve never worn anything that compresses like a postpartum corset, so my judgment may be skewed). Great with jeans, because it already looks like a tank top, but equally good on vacation with these relaxed linen pants, sculpted belt and scuba-y mules.

Pool House by Mary H.K. Choi: This one, currently on my to-pack pile, has been marketing itself as “100% Trad Wife Free.” What it offers instead? A terse mother-daughter relationship amid the glitzy, broken backdrop of Hollywood. I love a meaty character study and this one promises to deliver. The premise is this: after a personal tragedy leaves an out-of-work actress and her teen daughter without work, they rent out their home and move into the glass-walled pool house in the backyard. What could possibly go wrong? Cannot. Wait.

— Toteme’s Halter Tie & Hernan Diaz’s Trust —

I've been looking for a one-piece with thick straps and an architectural neckline for years; everything is usually a spaghetti or plunge. But the Toteme Halter Tie offers it in a fresh minimal cut with a cross-back too good to hide under a cover-up (also hard to find is a subtle beach necklace, if you've accumulated enough colorfully beaded ones from your children over the years). These jelly sandals have been recommended more times than I can remember, the Lie Studio bag is back in stock after a sold-out stint, and the Aritzia skirt works day-to-night. Heaven in a vacation outfit.

Trust by Hernan Diaz: It brought Dua Lipa and Callum Turner together, so could be here on cultural weight alone, but it’s far more than the backdrop to a viral meet-cute. The Pulitzer winning story hinges on four interconnected narratives circling a wealthy couple in early 20th century New York. Obviously, it’s on my to-pack pile.

Some worthwhile further reading on the subject: Polly Mellon’s groundbreaking swimwear shoot for Vogue in the 70s

Thoughts, recommendations, and opinions on any of the above are welcome. Everything is shoppable on Shopmy.

^{Cast your mind back to your cycling years, when style was all about not getting excess fabric stuck in the spokes.}

I’ve interviewed enough beautifully complicated, contradictory women over the years to be suspicious of anything that puts them in a box. But when it comes to not-so-delicate matters of the wardrobe, certain patterns tend to emerge, and this, I’d argue, is one of them: those who mine their happiest memories for inspiration embody what ‘personal style’ is meant to be.

Gym Tan, 64, is a case in point. “The nineties were my power years,” she says. “I was killing it in my career and found a lot of confidence, so there’s a connection to it.” The California-based influencer’s wardrobe, with its simple column dresses, neutral tailoring, and considered use of color and print, has skewed a Californian version of minimal ever since: “It looks modern and confident, and hasn’t changed with age.”

Read more

There’s a new parent in town making headlines for eschewing their well-honed helicopter tendencies for a more laidback, resilience-building approach to childrearing. Affectionately dubbed the ‘Beta Mom’, it sounds somewhat inferior to ‘Tiger Mom’ (a code word for Alpha Mom), but ends up being the cooler parent type when you know the difference.

Anyway, since no one’s broken down what Beta Moms are wearing this summer (fun fact: dads aren’t referenced at all in this viral trend), I decided to take the initiative and dive right in. Because outfits that end with heeled thong sandals might look really good on a grid, but they also carry potential for serious harm should the small child, swinging from your arm, fall over and inadvertently take you down with them. As a longtime member of this anti-perfectionist club, I know firsthand that dressing well and mom-ing without injury isn’t always as easy as one might expect (I’ve tripped over excess trouser fabric on more subway steps and sidewalks than I’d like to mention).

So, if you’re partial to forgetting the sunscreen, need a bag that’s a dumping ground for everyone else’s stuff, and are somewhat prone to falls and scrapes, I’d like to propose a selection of pieces that look incredible on, but in practice, adhere to the “good enough” approach to summer dressing: no steaming, zipping or strategic tucking required.

The Beta Wardrobe

The Pre-Creased Dress - Under $200
Whether it’s smocked, ruched, tailored or gathered, this is a dress you can sprint in, sit in, and throw a denim jacket over when the AC is on full blast. It’ll work with sneakers, sandals or, for a quick evening switch, a kitten or block heel.

From left: White dress / Lavender dress / Beige dress / Chocolate dress / Lilac dress

The Slouchy Jean - From $69.90 - $450

I know moms who rarely wear jeans because of the comfort factor, and when they do, they’re in 501s. While that’s undoubtedly chic, it’s also a little blinkered, because there are so many jeans now that feel almost like sweatpants in their slouchy, roomy state. If you’ve spent most of your life wearing them, switching to even an elasticated Donni pant (the reigning mom uniform right now) can feel like a pulling-out-the-stops dressing up of sorts. When all you crave is jeans, try one of these.

From left: CoH / CoH / Zara / Ossou / Zara

The Oversized Top - $58 - $275
When a shirt feels too polished, this oversized tee is the perfect alternative. It works with jeans, shorts, a silky skirt or over a bikini at sundown as a beach cover up.

From left: Sprwmn / Rachel Comey / Reformation / Beare Park

The Pull-On Pant - $129 - $395
These pull-on designs, cut from taffeta, jersey, or silk (basically, anything soft and soothing) are so popular right now because they look good, are mercifully zip and button-less, and won’t dig in at the waist.

From left: Taffeta Pants / White Pants / Silk Pants / Track Pants

The Comfortable Sandal - $50 - $565
This breed of flat is for moving around, whether by choice, or by force of a small child’s will. On days when you’re time-pressed, they’ll work for every occasion.

Day-night sandals: One / Two / Three / Four / Five (also on model) / Six /

The Bottomless Bag - $175 - Prada

Because you’re never only carrying your own stuff. These handles can take some weight, and if your bag of choice isn’t pre-fitted with inner pockets, you can slip in your own insert (see here). Coincidentally, each of them also fit a laptop, and if necessary, a small dog.

On model: Sezane / Clockwise from top left: Kallmeyer / Staud / Alex Mill / Prada

And there you have it. Since the Beta Wardrobe stems from the idea that the best dressed women rarely overcomplicate things, everything here has the thrown-together appeal of Margot Robbie at the airport. The overarching goal, much like the trending parenting style, is to be a little freestyle and resolutely un-precious. These pieces, I might add, look unfailingly good, and are likely to get you home without a sprain, blister, or tear in an embarrassing place. And, whether you have kids in tow or not, who doesn’t want that?

All links available on Shopmy.

The Edit Etc publishes weekly.

The kids are probably fine; take one more minute to pass this along to someone who might appreciate it.

As a New Yorker with two kids who’s usually in a rush, it’s safe to say I have a little high cortisol. And while magnesium, saffron and D3 are all worthy of group chat airtime, I’m increasingly convinced the most underrated stress reduction strategy involves simply taking control of whatever’s within reach.

Unsurprisingly, that brings me to our wardrobes. What if eight key pieces lived at the front of them each season, so tuned in to what we have going on, that getting dressed happened on autopilot? It’d be one less thing for our nervous systems to field before 8am.

While color and silhouette will always be important, fabric and fit are what really determines whether we wear something on repeat or toss it onto a giveaway pile. Any too-tight waistbands or scratchy labels that might trigger a fight-or-flight response in 8am traffic, is obviously destined for the latter.

Ahead, three outfits that didn’t cause a cortisol spike to put together.

OUTFIT ONE: The one that gets you out the door looking like yourself.

Citizens of Humanity Jeans / Leset Margo T-Shirt / Source Unknown Jacket (which is now sold out but here’s an alt) / Dear Frances Topo Flat

I read somewhere that black jeans convey wealth and status. And while that's a nice side effect, I'm drawn to black because it removes most of a morning's outfit decisions. A vintage-wash jean, mesh flat, and elegant jacket is the wellness wardrobe's equivalent of a good friend, who knows what you need without too much explanation. A pointed-toe flat, meanwhile, is perfect for summer: more versatile than a sneaker and less exhausting than teetering around on heels.

OUTFIT TWO: The textural one that does three things in one day.

Aritzia Pant / Leset Margo T-Shirt / The Frankie Shop Coat / Dear Frances Topo Flat

When your next 12 hours are tied up in work meetings, a school parent-teacher conference, and dinner with friends, you need an outfit that covers it all. Enter satin wide-leg pants, the humble sweatpant's fancier sister. With a pretty, soft sheen and pillow-like feel, they could reduce your cortisol simply by sidestepping the hostile waistband issue entirely. Plus, they're machine washable and work just as well with a T-shirt as a tactile coat or jacket. For shoes, try these mesh flats. Unlike open-toe sandals, they’ll read as casual or polished, depending on the rest of your look.

OUTFIT THREE: The easy but elevated approach.

Massimo Dutti Midi Skirt / Leset Margo T-Shirt / The Frankie Shop Blazer / Dear Frances Topo Flat

This leather midi skirt is perfect for a workday or baby shower, and looks just as good with a sweater, tee, or jacket. On that note, I keep coming back to the Frankie Shop Bea blazer. It’s slouchy, lightweight, and has a nice amount of stretch, which makes it work across multiple occasions and seasons. For instance, I wore it last night for a school concert, and sometimes throw it on over PJs when I need to bring in the garbage cans. I love it here, because, although you likely can’t see it in this flatlay, it adds fluidity to the outfit’s structure. Then there’s those mesh flats again. Ever-versatile (and heel-less), they’re my low-cortisol shoe of choice for good reason.

Give it a try and let me know if your 7am self feels less adrenalized.

Shop everything on Shopmy here.

By now, you’ve likely seen the New York Times article on why fashion suddenly loves older women. Along with the impressive runway numbers and groundbreaking Vogue cover, we received the news with a collective sigh of relief and a few reasonable questions.

Rachel Solomon (whose Substack, , is warm, sharp, and immediately trustworthy) raised one with her readers last week: could anyone name a brand that represented older women on their product pages, away from the limelight, where the clothes are bought and sold.

A stream of considered replies came in, and, aside from Rachel Comey, nobody came up with anything concrete. While there were a clutch of names mature readers felt offered clothing directed at them, those same labels didn’t appear to have the on-site imagery to unequivocally back it up.

Rachel Comey outfits from left: Beige Dress / Slip Dress / Black Dress

At first, I wondered why that mattered. Older women were having a moment; wasn’t focussing on the product page a little, well, granular? Not so long ago, I’d written a piece for a major publication on on the rise of fashion influencers over 60, and this all felt like proof of progress toward the same goal. But Solomon was pointing to something every mature shopper understands: the product page is where you imagine yourself in the clothes. Perhaps even, if you’re lucky, pick up a little styling direction. If you can’t? Those clothes might never leave the cart.

Since fashion has always celebrated youth, mature shoppers are well-used to sidestepping mismatched visuals and buying the damn thing anyway (“I have to squint hard at the picture to get past [the 22-year-olds],” said one of Solomon’s readers). Naturally, that’s easier for the creatively-inclined, who can instinctively translate a runway look for every-day life. Everyone else, even those with the desire and disposable income, are often left staring at a website featuring a 24-year-old trying to imagine themselves into the frame.

Left Outfit: Shirt / Pants / Sandals + Right Outfit: Dress / Necklace / Sandals

The push for age inclusivity this season is real, necessary, and not to be underestimated. The New York Times reports that 100% of the top 20 brands included at least one older model in their shows; McKinsey has noted that half of all spending power lies with the 50-plus cohort; and Federal Reserve data attributes more than 70% of US wealth to the over-55s. As Parsons’ associate professor, Emily Huggard, explained to The Times, age inclusivity is “a relatively safe space for fashion because it doesn’t challenge the core aesthetic.” While that may be true, a safe space for fashion is not the same as a legitimate welcome.

Left Outfit: Blazer / Jeans / Shoes + Right Outfit: Tee/ Skirt / Shoes

This is why the product page matters more than most of us realize. Lest we forget Raey, the late Matches Fashion’s in-house brand, which consistently featured mature, grey-haired models in cool, oversized clothes just as that specific aesthetic was gaining traction. Seeing a strapless dress on a beautiful woman with grey hair, some well-earned wrinkles, and an endearingly tilted posture allowed women everywhere to envision themselves in that same piece. And back then, as a thirty-something shopper, the message I received was, this will look good on me now, and also in twenty years. A win-win.

So why does the product page routinely leave mature shoppers hanging on a wing, a prayer and a returns policy? Fashion has spent decades asking older women to imagine themselves into images that weren’t designed with them in mind; to guess, squint, and hand over their money anyway. That they have done so, in record numbers, proves their commitment to dressing well.

Now just imagine what they might spend if the brands met them halfway.

Left Outfit: Shirt / Jeans / Sandals + Right Outfit: Blazer / Tank / Shorts / Mules

Some of Raey’s most enduring looks, and how to recreate them, are dotted throughout this story. You can also find the links on Shopmy.

If this resonated, forward it to someone who’s been figuring it out alone.

The Edit Etc. publishes every week.

Recently, I wrote a piece for the Wall Street Journal about the women who could win awards for mixing prints. Somehow, pinstripes and plaid, florals and camo become lovers not fighters in their capable hands.

Sadly, I’m not one of them. As a recovering over-thinker, I’ve spent the better part of two decades streamlining my wardrobe. My teens and twenties hinged on experimentation, but somewhere around my mid-thirties (hello motherhood), I unconsciously began building a wardrobe that delivered predictable results. Not a uniform, but a clear foundation that could handle the wink of a JW Anderson chain mule or candy-striped Meryll Rogge sweater. After a broken night, I wanted to emerge feeling like myself, without the agony of figuring out how to get there.

In the interests of referencing social media jargon, let’s credit ‘Monochrome Maxxing’ for the results. At this time of year, I like to think of it as summer’s alternative to print mixing for overstimulated minds. Here’s how it’s done…

Pick a color family for your clothing and another for your accessories. For instance, all-white with a dark shoe, all-black with a silver earring, or head-to-toe ivory with an espresso sandal.

Instead of patterns, combine tones, textures, or, for the really crazy kids, both. The result is subtler, but noticeable. And for any kinswomen ill-versed in pattern blending, it’ll save you a good forty-five minutes in front of the mirror wondering whether your floral choices are harmonizing or screaming ‘stop this madness.’

Ahead, five shortcuts to getting the look…

01.Never Not Working.

Massimo Dutti Blazer dress / Attersee Shirt dress / Left on Friday Shirt dress / Cos Blazer Dress

Think of it as a one-and-done jumpsuit for grown-ups. Look for ones with volume and interesting cuts that could envelop your entire family in a downpour. Attersee's pleated version is a case in point; I can't remember the last time I wore pink, but I'd jump on this blush dress without hesitation if the price was a little more right. Add a black shoe and you’ve just monochrome maxxed.

02.Add a Little Espresso to Your Cream.

Comme Si Dress / Massimo Dutti Bomber / COS Bag / Margaux Sandal

If you find cream intimidating, this Comme Si dress might just hand-hold your way into changing your mind. The espresso trim nudges you toward the right color for your accessories, and adds a slight retro-sporty touch to the dress itself. Wear the bomber as a bomber, or in place of a sweater as a top in its own right.

03.Black, Black and Something Not Black.

ASOS Long Sleeve T-Shirt / Toteme Shorts / Dear Frances Trainer / Soeur Bag

This one’s very ‘Margot Robbie at the airport’. Her’s is from Beare Park and currently on back order, but the Toteme shorts and ASOS tee are available now. The mesh trainer and gym bag add a lightness that prevents everything from tipping into emo territory.

04.The Most Amount of White New York Can Handle.

Ruadh Tee / Agolde jeans / Massimo Dutti belt / Soeur Flats

You'll need to be on good terms with your dry cleaner for this one. The reason any kind of white getup makes it into this busy-woman roundup is because it's low-lift to put together and an instant elevator. The trick to making it city-appropriate is black shoes and a hem that doesn't drag across the sidewalk. These ballet flats are for anyone who considers open-toed shoes a summer offense, not a requirement.

05. And Here’s One For The Classic True Blues.

Citizens of Humanity Jeans / Toteme Shirt/ Margaux Sandals/ Lie Bracelet

If nothing can convince you to switch to white (and I 100% respect that), here’s a true blue option that speaks for itself. A shout out for the vintage-look Citizens of Humanity jeans that give you that classic Levi’s look, but with the added bonus of never having been worn before.

Last week, I was without my car, which should have been a forgettable inconvenience, but somehow became this post.

After attempting to board a bus with three bags, a tween, and an 8-pound Goldendoodle, I was turned away (the dog needed to be in a carrier) and ended up walking home like a pack animal.

En route, I started thinking about which bags were big enough to support a New York city mom. Recent developments suggested I needed a capacious one with the physical and emotional capacity for unpredictable, chaotic days. In short, it needs to fit my dog in an emergency.

Ahead, the bags (and silk pants!) with the capacity to tackle a day that multitasks hard.

Four outfits: All linked in ShopMy.

THE PANTS SITUATION

Wide-leg satin or silk is the goal because they look good without trying and are basically very elegant sweatpants.

OUTFIT 1: The Vaguely Colourful One

COS Satin Wide-Leg Trousers + Frankie Shop Tee + La Garçonne Washed Tote + Nike x Skims Rift Shoes + Lie Studio Necklace

Navy and grey is perfect for the color-shy looking to branch out for summer. The tote’s six interior pockets are either excessive or exactly right, depending on how many small people you’re responsible for. The mesh Tabi sneaker keeps the outfit from reading too obvious, while the oversized scuba tee against silky trousers and a mesh shoe creates just enough contrast to make it all look considered.

OUTFIT 2: The Investment One

Comme Si Silk Pants + Leset Tee + Frankie Shop Blazer + Valesque Tote + Miista Zita Moccasin Loafers + Heaven Mayhem Icon Watch

The Comme Si pant is the version you wear when a work meeting looms and you no longer have tailored trousers that fit. They’re bias-cut, cling in all the right places, and look from across a conference table to evening dinner.

The tote is chic as hell but you may want to source your own interior pockets on Amazon, since it doesn’t come with any. But it does have good bones, structure that holds, and dimensions that fit a laptop.

OUTFIT 3: The Relaxed One

Leset Barb Satin Wide-Leg Pants + Frankie Shop Tate Sweatshirt + Toteme Curved Ribbed Tank + Longchamp L Bag + Wales Bonner x Adidas Karintha Sneakers + Charlotte Chesnais Triplet Ring

If you've read any of my previous pieces, you'll know I'm committed to the menswear-womenswear blend. Not only is it cooler, but as a child of the nineties it remains the most reliable way to find myself in an XS that still feels loose. I know I’m supposed to have grown beyond deriving satisfaction from this. But, it still feels good.

The Leset Barb is understated and silky soft, which makes it perfect in every way, while the Longchamp is perfect for any pragmatists: it fits a laptop, has a shoulder strap, and zips across the top so your belongings won’t scatter across the New York streets if you drop it.

OUTFIT 4: The Shorts Variation

Frankie Shop Shorts + Frankie Shop Tila Poplin Shirt + Sézane Gabin Bag + Miista Zita Moccasin Loafers + Lie Studio Bracelet

Too warm for pants but you still want the formula? The Leni short has the same DNA (similar Bermuda-length options also appeared in last week's lingerie post if you missed it). Wear it with the Tila shirt and the Sézane Gabin in chocolate (arguably the quiet standout of this post). It’s structured, with a good handle, inner zip pocket, and in sleek brown suede falls in step easily with almost anything. Mom bag, what’s that?

THE BAG SITUATION

The tote I was carrying is cream and made from unstructured canvas. I live in New York City, so you can see where this is going. I've been putting off replacing it because finding something that holds a laptop, a working life, and most of a very fluffy dog in an emergency is harder than it sounds.

Below and in the pic above, are more contenders, which along with the bags in the outfits you just read about, are all under consideration.

Utility Canvas Classic Field Bag — This looks just like The Row’s Sisal Shopper but costs a fraction of the price. It’s made from heavy-duty 18oz canvas with snap closures and two interior pockets. Should this post just end here?

Toteme Beach Canvas Tote — Two internal slip pockets, press-stud closure at the top, and at 21 inches wide, genuinely roomy. It’s Toteme, so it’s does the job without trying too hard. It’s around $550, which is either outrageous or exactly right depending on your relationship with the brand.

Kallmeyer Cottage Tote — An oversized, unstructured canvas weekender with black leather handles and a single interior leather pocket. The proportions are generous and the vibe is quiet and serious. It’s a $695 investment, but could also be mistaken for something more.

Alex Mill Perfect Weekday Tote — The workhorse of the tote world. Multiple interior pockets, snap closure, tuck-able shoulder straps, and expandable sides. Not the most glamorous option, but possibly the most useful.

Zara Maxi Split Leather Shopper — This split leather bag in chocolate, has an interior zip pocket, and genuinely maxi dimensions (15” x 18” x 6”). It looks considerably more expensive than it is, and would most likely fit a dog and fool a bus driver into thinking you have your life together.

I’m currently undecided, but vacillating between the Alex Mill option with enough inner pockets to rival a tool belt and the Utility Canvas Classic Field Bag, which just looks so good.

If you have opinions on which makes the cut, let me know.

Everything linked in ShopMy.