Plain sweatshirts are never really plain
Introducing your closet MVP!
Hello!
This week we’re doing things a bit differently! I’ve been a regular reader of Laurel Pantin’s newsletter, Earl Earl for a while now. I’ve always loved her personal style: preppy and classic with touches of minimalism and avant garde (or as she puts it, “lazy, rich, and horny”). In one of her recent newsletters she touches on the absolute perfection that is a plain sweatshirt and reader, I wholeheartedly agree. I have multiple but it all started with a black sweatshirt I thrifted that has now grown more faded and slouchy and divine in every way. A crewneck sweatshirt is casual, cool, and unexpected when worn the right way and I wanted to spin off Laurel’s styled looks and offer a week’s worth of my own, but with vintage (obvs) and all under $100! Below the looks is also an additional smattering of sweatshirt options, so…
…happy shopping!
This look kicked off with these pants which I immediately loved for the minimal plaid, high waist, and cropped flared cut. They read a little punky to me so a weird, slightly chaotic tshirt of silverware honestly seemed like a perfect fit. The nice part of a plaid pant is that they also toe the line of prep, for which these patent loafers are perfectly suited (this combo also shows off your ankles really nicely). Finally, because this newsletter is about sweatshirts, I went for a bold pop of blue rather than an expected neutral. Obvs the tee won’t be seen when the sweatshirt is worn but isn’t that special dinnerware our little secret now? And even if you do get hot and tie the sweatshirt at the waist, you still benefit from the wow color and the cool factor. Here’s my Monday look to dropkick the week into a great start.
This is the spiritual cousin of Harrison’s look and it’s pretty darn simple (and cute). Begin with *excellent* silk shorts that are cuffed and bloused to show off your gams, for which these ankle-lace sandals are also game. I’ve been reallllly feeling caged toe sandals recently and these are just, top of the heap. Keep it simple with the most classic sweatshirt of them all: the heathered grey. Then add a special little tote and your Tuesday look is complete. You’re working from home but want a casualcool look for running a few errands while still being completely comfortable in your Zoom calls.
It’s hump day and you have plans with friends in the evening. Your look starts with this dress which has an excellent cut - the back is wide open but the front apron covers all your bits. To add a layer of intrigue - add a literal layer of intrigue! With this sheer mesh top! You maintain the peekaboo benefits of the dress with just a little more panache. The weight of your chosen dress needs a heavy shoe and I am DIGGING these flatforms. The maryjane style is icing on the cake. And because I personally don’t like looking like I’m trying too much, I would simply suggest you add your sweatshirt around your waist, shoulders, or my personal favorite, bandolier-style. Your Wednesday look is for showing that you could cover up but you really want to show off. Good for you.
Big meeting today so you’re in office and ready (this outfit feels very Tibi to me, no?). These *incredible* pants clearly kicked off this look and they’re just odd enough without being cheesy. Add a patterned mule that will peek out enough from the wide leg and also gives you enough height for the pants to barely graze the ground. Then, what’s up top matches the thoughtful and cool combo of the bottom half. Tuck in the blouse, add the rust sweatshirt, and roll your sleeves to meet the sleeve of the sweatshirt. The band collar will peek out at your neck, and I’d say your big Thursday’s butt has been kicked!
Friday has arrived! So we’re going for the three c’s to finish off the week: casual, cool, and chic. The olive skirt can be worn a multitude of ways, but pairing it with a matte, tonal sweatshirt is a considered but also really easy choice. Some heeled strappy sandals (with a dark red pedicure??) have great toe holds and don't fight with the tonality of the look but add visual length both physically and stylistically. Finally, add some hammered sterling because it’s hammered sterling and you cannot go wrong with hammered sterling for any occasion.
First row__
1. Yuck! sweatshirt, $58 // 2. Navy sweatshirt, $28 // 3. Mustard sweatshirt, $28
Second row__
1. Forest green sweatshirt, $20 // 2. Baby blue sweatshirt, $23 // 3. Stress sweatshirt, $30
Third row__
1. Book sweatshirt, $45 // 2. Cranberry sweatshirt, $23 // 3. White short sleeve, $25
Fourth row__
1. Blue ringer short sleeve, $40 // 2. Navy short sleeve, $20 // 3. Red short sleeve, $40
That’s it for today! Buy some sweatshirts and we can rove the streets together, each in a different color. Like the Fanta Girls. Thanks as always for being here and see you Friday xx Maggie
I'm loving all these not-NOT-Agmes earrings you've been sharing