Five hyperspecific events and the clothes to wear to them
+ a Dior copycat!
Hello and happy Friday!
Sometimes when I start to build these newsletters, I have no idea where to begin. I’ll sit down to start sourcing and come up entirely blank for inspiration. And like a goldfish, I consistently forget that all it takes is one drip of an idea to knock out the entire dam and soon I’m swimming in ingenuity. For example, if you would have told me that a striped, sequin, and satin Victor Costa set would have kicked off this issue, as a card-carrying neutral-wearer, I would have scoffed! But as soon as I saw it knew I had to showcase it, and as Ian Malcolm says “life…uh…finds a way.”
So here we are! I wanted to use ye olde Costa and I did! And then I found four other pieces that inspired four other outfits that then inspired five exceedingly specific occasions for which to wear them.
And one more note before we dive in: vintage copycat is back! While following Fashion Month I stumbled upon Jenny Ortega’s attendee look for Dior and was immediately struck: I could make that with vintage. I think I can also make some magic with the clearly late-80s-inspired safari looks that walked down YSL’s runway so keep your eyes peeled for that in the coming weeks.
That’s it for now so….happy shopping!
p.s. make sure to expand the email in full so you see everything!
p.p.s. don’t forget that if I’ve received a lower offer on an item, it has a * on the price
A pleated skirt suit is a common find when thrifting in person or online, but to find one with a modern shape is a little less assured. While I appreciate Jenny’s 1950s-cut blazer, I really like the casual modernity of the collarless oversized shape of this one, especially when paired with this Guy Laroche sheer bodysuit (yowza). The real key is having the skirt long enough to overhang your witchy boots, and these mid-calf ones will do the trick nicely! Then all that’s left to do is fill out the look with a draped gold chain and a monogram bag. I did find an affordable Dior, but I liked the contrast of this Celine one better and also Celine monogram for under $100? October dreams do come true!
Look One: You want to manifest your own fall romcom protagonist meet-cute so you post up at your nearest coffeeshop and between staring contemplatively out the window and taking sips of coffee, you furtively work on your new novel.
If we’re going romcom, we’re going all the way Nancy Meyers and we’re going for creams/whites/quiet luxury (without the usual quiet luxury price tags). This started with the silk Bermuda shorts because I’m still obsessed with pairing them with knee-high boots! (Some love stories do last a lifetime.) Then of course you need a cute chunky knit to get cozy in and this collared one has Main Charatcer written all over it. Then - what’s this? - you get a frantic call from your girlfriend and have to collect your things quickly to rush over to her. You leave your very cute laptop case with laptop inside as you dash out the door with your fabulous coat billowing in the breeze. Who so happens to grab your laptop and spends a tight 90 minutes trying to track you down? Why, your one true love, of course!
ed note: Please invite me to your eventual wedding for the sequel, I have a great outfit in look five.
Look Two: You get invited to a posh English garden party as a +1 for your friend who is trying to befriend the host but she needs your emotional support. The forecast says rain and chill but you lost your rain jacket (mackintosh), you don’t own Hunter boots (wellies), and you’re an avid fan of Jane Austen.
This outfit started with this phenomenal dress that, with its shrunken vest-like top, harkens back to early 1800s heroines Elizabeth Bennet, Fanny Price, and Anne Elliot. Which obviously feels very English, no? Because you have no rain jacket, you’ll need an extra layer of warmth in the form of a cashmere sweater dress layered underneath, with just a couple inches peeking out from every hem and collar. Then, add sturdy leather boots that can easily be cleaned of the inevitable mud, and sunglasses for when your friend leaves you to your own devices but you’re not confident enough to meet strangers without some armor. Finally, let em know you belong there with some vintage Givenchy that reads heirloom but equals the cost of a tank of gas (petrol).
Look Three: You have a double feature of a Saturday night: you have a friend with some pieces opening in a gallery in LES and you’re also invited to a The Craft costume party in Bushwick. You have no time to go home to change in between.
So you’ve got two events and need one look to make it work? You got this! Your outfit starts with this flutter vest that obviously deserves to be seen twice. You need to add something Fairuza Balk-y and what better than a mesh tee? Bonus is that you get a touch more coverage since the vest offers a grand total of nada. Add your trusty flared pants and unzip them partway up the shin to show off your witchy maryjanes (yay for flats for running around town!). And you wear it daily, but you can’t forget your teeny pocket knife charm: cool with any outfit but works for a vengeful teen witch, too. You’ll look cool and layered at the gallery and the only thing you add in transit to the party? This bad boy.
Look Four: You’re a former dancer with an upcoming bachelorette weekend in Wine Country. On the itinerary is an afternoon wine tasting and a tipsy dance class afterwards. The kicker? You’re hoping to open your own studio and a potential business partner is also in the wedding party. You need to woo and wow them in order to secure funding and make your dreams come true.
I mean, a lot is on the line here and we have to make this look a head-turner. This one started with this gorgeous knit skirt that has the weight and swing to make each of your moves count. The cashmere tank? A classic update on a classic ballet silhouette so you’re fall-ready but also fandango-ready. Tall boots under a long skirt is a fail-proof combo and spicy for dancing. You’ll want your hands free for all the wine glasses, so a chic backpack is the move. The pièce de résistance? A fringed cropped jacket that you add for the dance portion of the day in order to drive home the passion and fluidity of each movement. All while looking sharp and put-together. If, however, you want to lean more Hermès (like the header image)/it’s too cold for just fringe, may I suggest a tweed bomber?
Look Five: You’re invited to your first black tie wedding at a local art museum with the caveat that it is “creative black tie” and you’re like…I barely know what black tie is so what the hell do I wear?? So you ask your mom and she’s like…I got you. And brings out this insane sequin and satin set that was your grandmother’s because she was cool as hell and used to run with a real swinging crowd. Like, she knew Peggy Guggenheim tangentially through a friend of a friend. And then like magic it fits like a glove and you’re basically Cinderella.
That description kind of ran off the rails but the idea is sound! Basically, this set is perfect and the textural and color combinations are so interesting that they need a proper showcase. It’s fall so you’ll need a jacket, and what better jacket than a full length blazer that let’s just a sliver of sequin shine through before you disrobe and have the full gown reveal! You want some heels that vibe with, but don’t outshine your outfit, so you find some barely-there heels with just a touch of color coordination. You have a crew neck on and a necklace would just muddy the water so you opt for big, beautiful waterfall earrings. And finally, to add an even more creative spin, and as a nod to your milieu, you add your Creation of Adam magazine purse and blow everyone’s minds. You are the belle of the ball (the bride’s cool with it).
Sure the scenarios are highly specific, but the looks would be great in any person’s daily life, no? Hard to beat cozy, layered neutrals (and one stunning formal look)! Anywho, have a great weekend and I’ll see you next week! Thanks as always for being here xx Maggie