Cropped pants & boots
+ Eight day-to-night outfits
Hi and happy Friday!
It is officially fall in New York and I am welcoming it with wide open (sweatered) arms. All I can think about right now is how it’s the perfect intermediate season where sweaters with shorts and sandals, or boots with bare legs are all viable options when getting dressed. THE BEST.
Today we have a ‘Vintage Copycat’ from the much-lauded vintage influencer, Jenny Walton, who shares my penchant for sheer details and flat shoes. There are three ‘Styled Looks’ and then there are two ‘One Piece, two ways’ that feature one central piece styled for day and night. There’s no ‘Things I Like’ round-up this week, but if you’re a paid subscriber you’ll see one tomorrow (with more home goods - I hear you!), along with a couple more styled looks.
You’ll notice there are a lot of cropped pants with boots in all of these looks and that is because 1. It’s a great look and 2. I wanted to show how versatile that one trick can be! Happy shopping!
It’s no secret I love a sheer skirt, so when I saw Jenny’s look from NYFW I knew I wanted to recreate it. I believe her look is all designer, but see what we can do with secondhand? Pretty spot-on. The grey knit is drape-y and oversized to give a casual counterpoint to a sheer miniskirt. And full disclosure, these pearls are not vintage but they’re so integral to the look I knew I needed to include an option for you! If you want a little more coverage and true vintage, the first skirt is the winner. But, if you want to show off those gams a little more, this Sandro version will help you do just that. This structured patent bag is a pretty good copycat of the Prada she’s carrying, and I love that she opted for flat sandals instead of a more obvious high heel. These Aquatalia are basic but have just enough flair with the embossed chain detail to keep it interesting.
This look was first sparked by this sweater which has the shape of a muscle tee and it’s amazing. Something so punchy deserves an outfit equal to the task, so I kept the whole thing red! The skirt has a dreamy swing to it and when it gets too cold for bare arms, you can throw on a big oversized sweater and it would still look great. Also, I don’t do well with purely elastic waists, so when a piece has a defined waistband, I pounce! So much better for tucking and holding its shape (if that’s what you’re looking for). This stretch hook belt is badass and a great pop against the red. Finally, these red wedges are so chic! The best part of this outfit is that if you removed the belt and threw on sandals instead of wedges, this would be a great casual look, as well.
The girl can’t help it: dressing in monochrome is such an easy way to feel put together without really putting in much work. This outfit starts with the printed Escada vest because of course, and then adding these luxurious wide leg pants lends a fancier air to the whole affair. To play off the light print in the vest and keep your legs warm, I’m loving the resurgence of the 80’s chunky boots with cropped pants. Yeah it makes your ankles look wider, but that’s the whole vibe! Also, these are low heeled so comfort reigns supreme again. Then, after work you can toss on this cashmere tunic and make the whole outfit much more casual (and warm) while still hewing toward the dignified feel.
Not monochrome! Still has boots tucked under cropped pants! This is a workhorse outfit if there ever was one. It can skew daytime or night, and can easily be paired with a million other pieces in your closet. A cropped turtleneck is a staple and the light grey paired with the burnt orange is unexpected but appreciated. Without a belt, we add detail elsewhere, like cognac woven leather boots which mirror the warmth of the pants without being too matchy about it. Then toss on some classic hammered hoops and you’re off to work, to lunch with in-laws, to a movie, to…anywhere?
Krizia maxi vest top, $75 - This feels like one of those pieces that you would love to wear but have no idea how to, which is why I chose it. It doesn’t seem like it could be a regular in your wardrobe but it absolutely can! The fact that it doesn’t button all the way means this thing was built for high-waisted separates, so that’s what I’m going to show you. But it could just as easily be added over a tank/slip dress and add a new dimension to those summer staples, too. Please also note that it has a vent in the back! Will be very dramatic for walking away.
CASUAL: Veronica Beard jeans, $56; Reformation sandals, $57; Leather net bag, $55.
This is like, meeting-up-with-friends-for-brunch-and-then-walking-around look. The vest will hit right at the waistband of these jeans that have the best lax silhouette. Throw on some minimal sandals in black to balance the vest, and this net market bag is perfect for ferrying away any treasures you find while window shopping.
DRESSY: Proenza Schoulder bell bottoms, $81; Manolo maryjanes, $81; Flocked drop earrings, $28.
Later that evening, though, maybe you have a rehearsal dinner to attend? Or an evening at the ballet? Keep the vest, and swap your jeans for these cream bell bottoms to keep with the ~flowing~ vibe and casual elegance. Add some classic Manolos and a low chignon. Then let your ears do all the talking with these flocked drop earrings.
Joseph belted pants, $52; Black rounded leather bag, $30 - I’ve really been digging this shape of pant and knew when I found these they would be fun to style. This ovoid shape is great but a stiffer fabric is the key! Paired with this classic leather bag, it’s a pretty easy jump to make this duo lean casual or fancy.
CASUAL: Ribbed tank+cardi set, $40; Ponyhair mules, $68
Cardigan sets were all the rage last year and after walking around lower Manhattan recently, it’s safe to say that they’re here to stay. I love the buttery color of this set and the high cut of the tank. Tuck the tank into the pants and when it gets cooler just throw on the cardigan. For a pop of fun, these ponyhair mules mimic the butter color but add dimension with the print and textile. Another great brunch-and-beyond look.
DRESSY: Crinkle chiffon mock neck, $48; Suede granny boots, $55
After another rousing round of brunch, you have to run to dinner for a catch-up with an old high school friend! So you keep the pants and bag and toss on this crinkle mock neck with mini polka dot print to look dressed up but not over the top. Then, miracle of miracles, you have the perfect suede booties to wear under the pants, with a tapered heel that’s reminiscent of Sies Marjan but 1/1000th of the price. Be warned: you’ll have just thrown this together but your high school friend will be imminently impressed and will spend most of the dinner grilling you for your style secrets.
____That’s it for today! I was obviously in stylist mode with all these looks, but if you just want a smattering of cool vintage, sign up to be a paid subscriber! Thank you as always for being here xx Maggie